Pronounced (oro-push) is a river in Trinidad and Tabago. I’ve never visited there, and it isn’t on my bucket list.
When I posted Friday’s COVID update, I failed to mention Oropouche virus – so called Sloth Fever because the South American slot is the definitive host for the virus. The virus is transmitted to other susceptible creatures by a biting midge (I hate those guys). Humans are just collateral damage in the great web of life and disease in this case.
Oropouche infection causes symptoms similar to those of Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. The clinical picture is one of fever, rash, and muscle and joint aches, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms and headache. It is self-limited and only rarely fatal. The disease mostly occurs in northern South America, but it shows up in North America and elsewhere, now and then, as a result of tourism, of course.
This illness is most notable because it can cause fetal damage including neurological damage and fetal demise. So, pregnant people should consider carefully whether to visit countries where this illness is endemic. There is no vaccine for Oropouche virus, and the treatment is supportive care. I hate it when that happens.
Going to Trinidad and Tobago? Take along some DEET.