9 Countries Confirm Oropouche Outbreaks in 2024

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced it updated its Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions, Travel Health Advirus for Oropouche virus outbreaks in numerous countries in the Region of the Americas.

On December 18, 2024, nine countries have reported Oropouche cases, including related fatalities.

A Level 2 Notice was previously issued for Oropouche in Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Oropouche virus is spread primarily through the bites of infected midges and mosquitoes. Illness can occur in people of any age and is often mistaken for dengue.

The CDC wrote that travelers to affected areas should avoid bug bites during travel to protect themselves from infection. They should also prevent bug bites for three weeks after travel to avoid possibly spreading the virus to others in the U.S.

Most people recover without long-term effects.

Furthermore, if travelers are pregnant, they should discuss travel plans, reasons for travel, steps to prevent bug bites, and potential risks with their healthcare provider. While it is unknown if Oropouche can be spread by sex, initial reports indicate infants have also been infected with this virus.

The CDC is working with PAHO and other international partners to learn more about the potential risks of Oropouche during pregnancy.

As of late December, no vaccines or targeted therapies are available for Oropouche disease.