Grand Cayman, Friday, 9 August 2024-  The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has issued a warning that the risk of transmission of Oropouche Virus in Central and South America and the Caribbean is now of significant concern.

Hence, the Ministry of Health & Wellness is issuing an advisory notice to residents of the Cayman Islands to warn them of this development.

“It is important for us to note that no cases of Oropouche Virus disease have been reported in the Cayman Islands,” emphasises Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nick Gent.  “However, as the overall risk level for the region has been upgraded to high by PAHO, and given our connection to numerous countries that have been impacted by this virus- mainly Cuba, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia- it is in our best interest to ensure our residents are aware of these risks and to take precautions when travelling to endemic area. And, furthermore, as the insect vectors that can transmit Oropouche Virus are present in the Cayman Islands, remember to take measures to prevent onward local transmission.”.

Oropouche Virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of a midge (small fly) and certain mosquitos.

Currently, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

The disease symptoms are typically fever, headache, joint stiffness, pain and chills. Due to the similar symptoms, it can often be confused with dengue. The symptoms usually persist for 5-7 days. Severe cases of illness are rare.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Oropouche Virus disease.

Oropouche was first detected in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago. Outbreaks have occurred since in Central and South America. An increase in cases has been reported across some countries in South America and in Cuba over the last few months. This has included countries that have not reported cases previously. There have been two deaths in Brazil reportedly due to Oropouche infections. This is the first time that deaths have been attributed to OROV disease.

“Locally, we have been developing the capacity to be able to test for Oropouche Virus at the Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory (CIMBL) at the Health Services Authority,” explains Dr. Samuel Williams, Medical Officer of Health.  “The assay is currently being validated and health providers will be notified when it is available for use,” he adds.

Persons who have fever, and either muscle or joint pain are encouraged to contact their general practitioner for advice and testing, especially if they have recently travelled to an endemic area.

Those who are travelling through affected areas are encouraged to use insect repellent, and take precautions to prevent bites.

Locally, all residents are encouraged to always protect themselves from mosquito bites:

    *   Use mosquito repellent, especially during peak times of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn)
    *   Wear light long sleeve shirts and long trousers to prevent bites
    *   Take steps to keep mosquitoes out of your home by the use of air conditioning, and window and door screens
    *   Once a week, empty and clean, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers. This will destroy mosquito breeding sites. Check inside and outside your home. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
    *   Contact the Mosquito Research and Control Unit on 949-2557 with a service request should the mosquito situation in your area be of concern.

Queries and requests for additional information should be directed to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> or [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>.