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Oropouche virus in South America and the Caribbean (Update 2)

06 December 2024

The World Health Organization has reported 11 634 confirmed cases of Oropouche virus infection in the Americas and Caribbean from 1 January 20204 to 25 November 2024

Affected countries are:

Bolivia: 356 cases

Brazil: 9 563 cases including 2 deaths

Colombia: 74 cases

Cuba: 703 cases

Ecuador: 2 cases

Guyana: 2 cases

Panama: 1 case

Peru: 936 cases

In addition, 23 suspected cases have been reported in the Dominican Republic.

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.