Over 8,000 Oropouche Virus Disease Cases Reported in the Americas - Travel Alerts Issued

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory (CDCHAN-00515) to notify clinicians and public health authorities of an increase in Oropouche virus disease cases confirmed in the Americas region.

The CDC issued this alert because the initial clinical presentation of the Oropouche virus may confuse providers as the symptoms are similar to those of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

Between January and August 1, 2024, more than 8,000 cases of Oropouche virus disease were reported, including two deaths and five cases of vertical transmission associated with fetal death or congenital abnormalities.

These Oropouche cases originate from endemic areas in the Amazon basin and regions in South America and the Caribbean.

The virus was first detected in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago and is endemic in the Amazon basin. 

As of August 16, 2024, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba were among the countries reporting cases. As testing and surveillance for Oropouche virus disease increase in the Americas, reports of cases from additional countries are expected.

Throughout 2024, travel-associated cases have been identified in travelers returning to the United States and Europe from Cuba and Brazil.

This CDC Health Advisory offers advice on evaluating and testing travelers who have been in impacted areas with signs and symptoms consistent with Oropouche virus infection.

It also raises awareness of the possible risk of vertical transmission (e.g., from gestational parent to fetus during pregnancy) and associated adverse effects on pregnancy.

The CDC issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice in August 2024, suggesting pregnant women reconsider non-essential travel to areas with Oropouche virus outbreaks, such as Brazil and Cuba.

The new alert also highlights prevention measures to mitigate the additional spread of the virus and potential importation into unaffected areas, including the U.S.

Oropouche virus belongs to the Simbu serogroup of the genus Orthobunyavirus in the Peribunyaviridae family.

According to the CDC, approximately 60% of people infected with the Oropouche virus become symptomatic. The incubation period is typically 3–10 days. Providers should contact state, tribal, local, or territorial health departments to facilitate diagnostic testing.

As of August 2024, there are no approved Oropouche vaccines available.