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Oropouche virus in South America and the Caribbean

08 October 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have added Guyana and the Dominican Republic to the list of countries where Oropouche virus has been transmitted in 2024. Other affected countries are Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Peru.

Oropouche fever is caused by Oropouche virus (OROV) which is transmitted by midges and mosquitoes. Large outbreaks of oropouche fever can occur.

Symptoms typically start 4–8 days after being bitten, and can include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, stomach pain, vomiting, rash, or sensitivity to light.

Most people recover after a week without long-term effects. Severe illness is very rare, but can result in meningitis.

Treatment is supportive. There is no vaccine for Oropouche fever.

There is a possibility that OROV can be transmitted to babies during pregnancy.

Advice for Travellers

All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of Oropouche fever and should be aware of this infection.

Travellers developing a fever and/or flu-like symptoms either during or on return home from travel to outbreak areas are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible.