welcome to English news today in this video we're diving into an emerging Health threat that's been raising alarms across the globe Ora push virus it's a little known disease but its rapid spread and serious implications make it something everyone needs to be aware of or aush virus named after a village in Trinidad and Tobago where it was first discovered in 1955 is a virus transmitted primarily through insect bites although it's been around for decades recent outbreaks have brought it back into the spotlight with over 8,000 cases reported just this year most mostly in South America but what makes this outbreak particularly concerning is the viruses spread Beyond its usual boundaries cases have now been reported in countries where the virus hasn't been seen before including travel related cases in the United States and Europe the Pan-American Health Organization has raised the public health risk level to high for the Americas urging for increased surveillance so what should you be looking out for about 60% of those infected with orap push virus develop symptoms similar to those of Deni or zika including fever chills headache muscle pain and Joint stiffness some may also experience eye pain light sensitivity nausea and fatigue in rare cases the virus can infect the nervous system leading to more severe conditions like menitis or entis the primary mode of transmission is through insect bites particularly from biting midges and certain types of mosquitoes the virus is endemic to the Amazon basin but climate change and deforestation have increased the opportunities for people to interact with infected insects raising the risk of spread according to Dr Aaron Staples from the CDC while the current risk of sustained local transmission in the continental United States is believed to be low the situation is more uncertain in areas like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands as we learn more about this virus it's crucial to stay informed and prepared this year marks the first time that fatalities have been reported due to orap push virus Brazil has reported deaths in two young women who were otherwise healthy and a third case in a middle-aged man is under investigation there have also been cases where the virus was transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus leading to severe birth defects so how can you protect yourself unfortunately there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for orap push virus however you can take preventive measures against insect bites avoid going out during Peak mosquito activity times dress to protect your skin and use effective insect repellant for travelers especially pregnant women it's crucial to take enhanced precautions when visiting affected areas as the situation evolves we'll continue to provide updates and information on how you can protect yourself and your loved ones be sure to like subscribe and hit the notification Bell to stay informed with the latest updates on this and other important topics