The Lancet Infectious Diseases in conversation with Jan Felix Drexler and Fernando Bozza on Oropouche virus
Apr 14, 2025
Jan Felix Drexler, a virology expert from Berlin, and Fernando Bozza, a specialist in infectious diseases from Brazil, delve into the pressing issues surrounding the Oropouche virus. They discuss their recent laboratory-based study on the virus's ecology and its broader implications for arbovirus transmission in Latin America. Key topics include the challenges posed by urbanization, the impact of COVID-19 on mosquito control efforts, and the need for improved diagnostics and healthcare systems. Their insights highlight the urgency for collaborative public health strategies to combat emerging infections.
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Oropouche Virus Emergence Insight
- Oropouche virus is a neglected arbovirus that has caused a large outbreak in the Americas, especially Brazil, since late 2023.
- Human behavior, land use changes, and halted mosquito control during the pandemic likely contributed to this re-emergence and spread.
Multidimensional Study Approach
- The current Oropouche outbreak is driven by multiple factors including virus, vectors, and host parameters.
- This study is the first to use a multidimensional approach combining epidemiology, modeling, and genomics across countries.
Robust Risk Modeling Explained
- Ecological niche modeling predicts regions at risk for Oropouche virus based on serological and environmental data.
- Using both presence and absence data is critical to produce robust risk maps and avoid misleading conclusions about risk areas.