Mayaro and Oropouche virus not in T&T yet

  • Dec, Mon, 2024

The Ministry of Health is now monitoring the emergence of the Mayaro and Oropouche viruses, two tropical diseases that pose potential health risks to the population of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. 

The Ministry of Health confirms that there are no reported cases of the Mayaro and Oropouche virus since their discovery in T&T in the 1950s.

These vector-borne diseases are spread primarily by the Aedes aegypti, Culex mosquitoes, and midge insect flies.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has reported 10,275 confirmed cases of the Oropouche virus, including two deaths, across nine countries in the Americas from January 1 to October 5, 2024.

In a release by the Ministry of Health, it was stated that “Routine vector control measures are actively conducted by the Insect Vector Control Division. 

Symptoms for both the Oropouche and the Mayaro virus mimic those of Dengue, leading to potential underreporting. Persons usually present with the following symptoms after an incubation period of 3 to 12 days: 

Fever

Headache

Muscle and joint pain

Skin Rash

Chills

Pain behind the eyes

Nausea and vomiting (persistent in some cases)

Joint Swelling

Dizziness

To minimize the risk of disease outbreaks, the Ministry urges citizens to adopt the following preventative measures: 

1. Install fine mesh nets on doors and windows. 

2. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants particularly at night-time.

3. Apply repellents containing DEET to exposed skin

4. Eliminate stagnant water around homes, including barrels, plant pots and saucers and discarded containers. 

5. Properly dispose of used tyres and clean gutters regularly. 

6. Cover barrels, drums and other receptacles used to collect water for household use.

The Ministry of Health also emphasized that controlling vector-borne diseases is a collective responsibility. In the release, the Ministry of Health added, “Increased awareness, community engagement, and proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks. The Ministry remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and will continue to monitor and respond to the potential threats posed by arboviral diseases.”

The post Mayaro and Oropouche virus not in T&T yet first appeared on CNC3.