Travel Alert Identifies 34 Countries Confirming Oropouche Fever Cases

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Level 1 Travel Health Advisory confirming outbreaks of Oropouche fever in parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba. 

On August 1, 2024, the CDC reported that 34 countries had reported 8,078 Oropouche fever cases this year.

Local transmission has also been documented in ten non-Amazonian states, some without previous cases reported. In Brazil, 7,284 cases were confirmed, mainly in the Amazon region.

Travelers to affected areas should avoid infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes as they spread this disease, which is often mistaken for dengue. The CDC says 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.

According to reports, Oropouche fever can be passed between a pregnant woman and an unborn child.

As of July 30, 2024, five potential cases of vertical transmission have been identified in Brazil: four cases of stillbirth and one case of spontaneous abortion.

On July 17, 2024, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said it is not clear if infection with the Oropouche virus caused adverse health outcomes for the fetuses.

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

As of August 6, 2024, there are no approved vaccines to protect people from this disease.