By The Star Staff
The Puerto Rico Department of Health issued a notice to health professionals on Thursday following the increase in confirmed cases of the Oropouche virus (OROV) in the Americas, including countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba. The alert seeks to coordinate an effective response to the possible introduction of the virus on the island.
“It is crucial to remain alert and prepared to mitigate the risk of local transmission,” said Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López in a written statement.
The agency has an Arboviral Disease Surveillance System to monitor potential cases and works with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to validate diagnostic tests.
The Oropouche virus, transmitted primarily by mosquitoes, could spread in Puerto Rico through the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito, which is present on the island. To date, more than 8,000 cases have been confirmed in the Americas, which increases the risk of introduction of the virus in Puerto Rico due to current environmental conditions.
Chief Epidemiology Officer Melissa Marzán urged health providers to consider patients’ travel history and report any suspected cases of OROV in order to coordinate their diagnosis. In addition, citizens were advised to take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites and reduce their proliferation in homes.
The Health Department will continue to provide updates and guidance as the situation develops.
The report did not include a description of the virus’ symptoms.
Comments