Zika-like virus detected in Europe for the first time

A potentially deadly disease similar to the Zika virus has been detected in the European Union for the first time, prompting a health warning.

Eighteen of the cases had travel histories involving Cuba, and the 19th had been to Brazil.

The oropouche virus had previously been detected in South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

“During 2024, outbreaks have been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and more recently in Cuba,” the centre wrote in its threat assessment.

The disease is passed on to humans in these areas primarily through the bite of a species of midge that is not found in Europe.

“Oropouche virus disease can manifest as an acute febrile illness with headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and occasionally more severe symptoms,” the centre wrote.

“The prognosis for recovery is good and fatal outcomes are extremely rare. There are no vaccines to prevent or specific medication to treat OROV disease.”

Brazil recently reported six possible cases of pregnant women passing the virus to their newborn children, but the centre said the possibility of pregnancy transfers of the virus was still under investigation.

To date, there have been no known cases of the virus transmitting directly between people, so the oropouche cases in Europe are not thought to present a great danger.

However, the centre warned of “moderate risk” for people travelling to Central or South America or the Caribbean, particularly pregnant women.