Maruim is an extremely small mosquito (Photo: São José City Hall, Disclosure)
The number of cities in Santa Catarina that confirmed cases of Oropouche Fever, the “maruim disease”, rose to three. They are all in the Itajaí Valley: Botuverá, Brusque and Luiz Alves. The latter even declared an emergency this year due to mosquito infestation, which is the main vector of the disease. The tests were validated by the State government’s Central Public Health Laboratory (Lacen).
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To date, 10 people have been infected. Half of them in Botuverá, four in Brusque and one in Luiz Alves. According to the State Department of Health, actions will be developed in these locations to systematize important information on suspected and confirmed cases, such as residents’ movements, symptoms and clinical status.
It is also planned to collect mosquitoes for study and send samples from other patients for testing at Lacen, with the aim of more closely monitoring the disease, which has symptoms similar to dengue and chikungunya. Among them are headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea and diarrhea.
All those infected are doing well. There is no record of the number of suspected cases because, explained the secretariat, every time a dengue test is negative, the laboratory tests for Oropouche Fever.
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Until last month there were no records of those infected with the virus Orthobunyavirus oropoucheense in the State. However, in the North of Brazil, the disease is known. Data from the Ministry of Health show that there was a significant increase in Oropouche Fever in the region compared to 2023.
Santa Catarina already has autochthonous cases, that is, they were contracted within the State, not during any of the patient’s trips.
What is Oropouche fever
The viral disease was first identified in Brazil in 1960, from a blood sample from a sloth collected during the construction of the Belém-Brasília highway. Since then, isolated cases and outbreaks have been reported in Brazil, especially in states in the Amazon region.
As there is no specific treatment, care is taken to minimize symptoms. As with dengue, plenty of hydration and rest are recommended.
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The main vector, that is, who transmits it, is the maruim. It is generally associated with regions with greater humidity and the presence of organic matter. After feeding on the blood of an infected person or animal, the virus remains in the mosquito for a few days. When it bites another person again, it can transmit the virus to them.
However, there are records of other transmitting mosquitoes in urban areas, such as Aedes serratus and Culex quinquefasciatus (stilts). Among the characteristics of the virus is its high potential for dissemination, with the capacity to cause outbreaks and epidemics. As with dengue, it is the female who is responsible for transmitting the Orthobunyavirus through the bite.
The incubation period of the virus in humans can vary between three and eight days after infection through the bite. Symptoms last from two days to a week, with progression without sequelae, says the federal government.
How to prevent
In general, the maruim is attracted to humidity, shade and organic matter. Therefore, it is important to keep land free from accumulated weeds. Additionally, using repellents and long clothing can help prevent bites.
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