The risk for Cyprus and other European countries from the Oropouche virus, which is found mainly in South American countries and is transmitted through mosquitoes, is low, Valentinos Silvestros, epidemiologist of the Medical Services of the Ministry of Health, told CNA on Wednesday.
He noted that the recent cases that were identified in European countries had a travel history in South American states.
Silvestros explained that the virus is not transmitted from person to person, that the symptoms for most of those affected are mild and that there is no danger to the lives of the patients.
The virus is more dangerous if it infects a pregnant woman, as it can even cause termination of pregnancy, he stressed.
The Ministry of Health is monitoring the developments regarding the virus, in coordination with the guidelines of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), he pointed out.
Silvestros said that special attention should be paid by those who are travelling to South American countries-
where in any case caution is recommended for various infections and as a result travellers are vaccinated in advance and follow special treatment before, during and after their journey.
Regarding the symptoms of Oropouche, he said that they include headache, nausea, vomiting and myalgias.
Since the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and mosquitoes cannot be contained, everyone should protect themselves from mosquito bites by choosing long clothing and/or using insect repellents, he went on to say.
Preventive measures are more important for pregnant women, who may be at greater risk if exposed to the virus, Silvestros concluded.
Source : Cyprus News Agency