Panama Monitors Oropouche Virus

Due to the more than 8,000 confirmed cases of Oropouche virus (OROV) in the Americas, including two deaths in Brazil, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) in Panama has been monitoring and applying molecular tests to suspected cases of dengue, due to the similarity of the symptoms. 

Dr. Pablo González, from the National Epidemiology Department of the Minsa, clarified that as of today, August 14, there is no presence of the Oropouche virus in Panama. However, being a transit country, he expressed that “for all suspected cases of dengue, the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies (ICGES) is running molecular tests in the laboratory, but they have not tested positive for OROV. 

This virus has been monitored in the Americas since week 1 of the year, but so far no case has been identified in Panama.  ICGES not only evaluates suspected cases of dengue but also those with possible chikungunya and zika, and applies the Oropouche molecular test,” he said.  He added: “Since the symptoms are so similar, we cannot be dismissing the presence of the disease in Panama.  For this reason, all suspected cases are being tested, and that is why it is important for citizens to go to the doctor.”  Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain.  Nausea and vomiting may occur in some patients. 

The disease is transmitted by the bite of the Culicoide paraensis mosquito , or bloodsucking gnat, which is widely distributed in the Americas.  The first recorded case was in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955.  When asked about preventive measures at Tocumen International Airport, the airport simply stated that the responsibility for the issue fell on the Minsa.