Oropouche virus – another antecedent event for Guillain–Barré syndrome?

In May 2024, the Pan American Health Organization issued alerts of increased numbers of cases of Oropouche fever in non-Amazonian regions in Latin America. Following this, an association between Oropouche fever and Guillain–Barré syndrome was reported in three patients in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Neu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Alina González-Quevedo, Zurina Lestayo O’Farrill, Reinaldo Mustelier Becquer
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Pan American Health Organization 2025-02-01
Series:Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública
Subjects:
Online Access:https://iris.paho.org/handle/10665.2/64703
Description
Summary:In May 2024, the Pan American Health Organization issued alerts of increased numbers of cases of Oropouche fever in non-Amazonian regions in Latin America. Following this, an association between Oropouche fever and Guillain–Barré syndrome was reported in three patients in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Neurological manifestations have rarely been described in relation to Oropouche virus infection. Previously, encephalitis and meningoencephalitis have been associated with Oropouche virus infection, but now the virus seems also to be associated with Guillain–Barré syndrome. In this article we describe the main factors that could underlie the increased incidence of Oropouche fever and its neurological complications. Oropouche virus should be recognized as a potential pathogen in cases of fever associated with neurological symptoms (meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and Guillain–Barré syndrome). Medical professionals and health systems need to be aware of these complications and the importance of early diagnosis and preparedness, especially during large outbreaks or in patients living in or coming from endemic regions.
ISSN:1020-4989
1680-5348