28 Communities Confirm Oropouche Fever Cases in 2024

The U.S. CDC reissued a global warning about Oropouche fever outbreaks in various communities of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba in the Region of the Americas.

In late June 2024, the CDC said travelers should seek medical care if they develop high fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light during or after travel.

For example, the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba reported the first-ever outbreak of Oropouche virus disease in May, confirming 74 cases from the Province of Santiago de Cuba (54) and the Province of Cienfuegos (20). 

Oropouche virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of the midge, Culicoides paraensis, but the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus can also transmit it.

The Pan-American Health Organization / World Health Organization urges Member States to intensify surveillance given its clinical presentation and considering the current situation of chikungunya, dengue, zika, and other common vector-borne diseases in the Region.

While there are approved vaccines to prevent chikungunya and dengue diseases, Oropouche and zika viruses do not have vaccines available in July 2024.