11 Oropouche Fever Cases Diagnosed in Florida

Throughout 2024, Cuba has been grappling with an outbreak of Oropouche Fever. And now, its western neighbor, the United States, has started to report cases related to travelers from Cuba.

The Florida Department of Health (FDH) has recently reported 11 Oropouche Fever cases.

As of August 10, 2024, these Florida cases had their onset in 2024 and were found in individuals who had traveled to Cuba two weeks before showing symptoms.

The Oropouche reported cases were found in the following Florida counties: Hillsborough (4), Lee (2), Miami-Dade (1), Orange (2), and Polk (2).

Throughout 2024, more than 8,000 Oropouche cases, including two deaths and five cases of vertical transmission, were reported by the U.S. CDC.

According to the CDC, approximately 60% of people infected with the Oropouche virus become symptomatic. The incubation period is typically 3–10 days. Although people exposed to biting midges or mosquitoes infected with the virus are most at risk for developing the disease, the risk factors for more severe Oropouche virus are not well-defined.

The initial clinical presentation is similar to diseases caused by dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses.

In the U.S., healthcare providers should contact local health departments to facilitate diagnostic testing.

As of August 19, 2024, no approved Oropouche vaccines are available.

In addition to Oropouche cases, FDH reported 18 locally acquired dengue fever virus cases and numerous travel-related dengue cases as of week #32.