Will Oropouche Virus Spread in the United States

The arbovirus Oropouche (OROV) has caused significant outbreaks in the Region of the Americas, especially in the Amazon region, and beyond.

In 2024 and 2025, the number of OROV cases increased significantly. Despite its expanding geographic reach, diagnostic and therapeutic tools for OROV remain limited as of late July 2025.

Current diagnostic strategies rely almost exclusively on molecular detection methods.

The ecological dynamics influencing OROV transmission, particularly the role of environmental changes in shaping vector populations, highlight the need for more integrated surveillance strategies, similar to those for Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika viruses.

On July 23, 2025, researchers published their insights in Immunology/Microbiology/Virology. The review summarizes important and up-to-date data information on the ongoing epidemic of Oropouche fever, focusing on topics that are particularly important to Public Health.

They wrote, 'The continuous monitoring of both environmental and epidemiological data is crucial to understanding and mitigating the impact of OROV in the future. Collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and local communities will be essential to prevent further outbreaks and minimize the health burden caused by OROV.'

As of July 15, 2025, a total of 109 Oropouche cases had been reported from seven states among travelers returning to the United States from Cuba over the last two years.

In 2024, over 100 cases of Oropouche fever were reported in Florida, led by Miami-Dade County.

To address this essential need, Quest Diagnostics's advanced laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, California, announced it will perform the test using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. Reverse transcription PCR testing can identify the RNA of the virus during the early stages of infection to aid diagnosis.

"Quest plays an essential role in ensuring the U.S. is prepared to respond to potentially dangerous emerging diseases, such as Oropouche virus," said Yuri Fesko, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Quest Diagnostics, in a press release on July 15, 2025.

"By developing this test, we are prepared to act quickly to offer scalable testing to complement public health labs should this virus become a public health threat."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the countries most impacted by the spread of the Oropouche virus in 2025 include Brazil, Cuba, Panama, and Peru.

Furthermore, the CDC's updated Travel Health Advisory says travelers visiting affected areas should take steps to prevent bug bites and consider using condoms or not having sex during travel and for six weeks after returning from travel. The CDC stated the Oropouche virus has been found in semen.

As of the end of July 2025, the CDC confirmed there are no Oropouche virus vaccines available.