Thailand warns travellers as Oropouche fever spreads in Brazil

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring the spread of Oropouche fever in Brazil, where two fatalities have already been reported. The disease, transmitted by midges, has not yet been detected in Asia, prompting vigilance and travel advisories for those heading to Central and South America.

The Brazilian Ministry of Health reported on July 25 that two women under 30 years old, residing in Bahia state in northeastern Brazil, succumbed to Oropouche fever. This marks the first-ever recorded death from the disease, which presents with symptoms akin to dengue fever, including severe illness.

Oropouche fever was first identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. Over the decades, outbreaks have been reported in several Central and South American countries, with the highest number of cases in Brazil, totalling 7,236 as of July 23. Other affected countries include Bolivia, Peru, Cuba, and Colombia. To date, there have been no reports of the disease spreading to other continents, including Asia.

Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Public Health Ophart Karnkawinpong emphasised Thailand’s robust surveillance system for infectious diseases, which operates under the One Health approach. The country has successfully managed foreign diseases in the past, such as mpox (formerly monkeypox) and Covid-19. The Department of Disease Control is now closely monitoring the Oropouche fever situation.

Oropouche fever is transmitted by the Culicoides paraensis midge, but neither the midge species nor the virus has been found in Thailand, reported KhaoSod.

“We advise those travelling to regions with reported outbreaks in Central and South America to take preventive measures. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, and use mosquito-repellent lotions to protect against midges and mosquitoes.

“If you experience high fever, headache, muscle pain, or chills upon return, immediately notify international disease control officers or visit a doctor, and inform them of your travel history for proper diagnosis and treatment.”

In related news, Phuket has emerged as the hotspot for dengue fever in upper southern Thailand, with the highest infection rates among seven provinces, according to the Department of Disease Control’s regional office.