A groundbreaking discovery by Italian researchers has raised alarm: the Oropouche virus, primarily transmitted through insect bites, might also spread through sexual contact. This revelation came after the virus was detected in the semen of an Italian man who had recently been diagnosed with the infection, as reported by local media on Friday.
The Oropouche virus is typically transmitted to humans via the bite of infected mosquitoes and midges, causing flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, and muscle aches. In severe cases, the virus can lead to meningitis, an infection of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord.
Although the new virus is endemic to the Amazon region of South America, travel-related cases have been recorded in Europe and the United States. As of September 6, 2023, there were 9,852 confirmed cases of Oropouche fever in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Peru, and the Dominican Republic, with two reported deaths in Brazil. Italy has seen five cases, all linked to international travel.
One case, detailed in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, involved a 42-year-old Italian man who had traveled to Cuba in July. Researchers discovered that the virus’s genetic material remained in his semen for a significantly longer period than in other bodily fluids, prompting concerns about a new potential mode of transmission.
The Virus Stays Longer in Semen
The Italian patient was diagnosed with Oropouche infection after tests detected genetic changes in blood, urine, and serum samples taken four days after the onset of symptoms. Despite his full recovery within ten days, scientists noted that the virus remained active in the samples collected later. Most notably, the genetic material persisted in his semen for 58 days after symptoms first appeared.
This discovery raises the possibility of person-to-person transmission through sexual contact, a previously unexplored route for the virus.
Replication Capabilities in Semen
Further testing revealed that the virus continued replicating in the semen up to 32 days after symptoms began. This replication likely occurred in the male reproductive system, but experts have not ruled out passive diffusion as another possibility.
Lead researcher Federico Gobbi emphasized the potential implications: “Our findings suggest the possibility of sexual transmission of the Oropouche virus, something that has never been documented before.” However, Gobbi and his team caution that more research is needed to fully understand the significance of this discovery.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet reported any cases of sexual transmission but is closely monitoring developments. If confirmed, this could significantly alter how public health authorities approach Oropouche virus prevention, particularly in regions where it is already endemic.
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