Over 400 Oropouche Virus Disease Cases Confirmed in Cuba

Cuba's Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, recently announced over 400 Oropouche virus disease cases have been confirmed on the island since late May 2024.

According to Cuba Headlines reporting, Cuba ranks second in the Region of the Americas for the number of infections behind Brazil (7,284).

Infected biting midges and some mosquitoes are spreading the virus.

Currently, there are no efficient vector control measures for the Culicoides paranesis.

As of August 23, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there is no evidence of local transmission of Oropouche virus disease in the United States. However, various states, such as Florida (12), report travel-related cases.

The virus was first detected in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago near the Oropouche River. Since then, outbreaks of the Oropouche virus have been reported in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, and Peru.

The incubation period for Oropouche virus disease is 3–10 days, says the U.S. CDC. Typically, the disease starts with the abrupt onset of fever (38-40°C), followed by a headache, chills, myalgia, and arthralgia.

People typically recover without long-term sequelae. However, there have been a few deaths reported and vertical transmission of Oropouche virus causing fetal deaths and congenital abnormalities.

The best way to protect themselves from Oropouche is to prevent bites from biting midges and mosquitoes.

According to the CDC's Level 2 Travel Health Advisory, updated on August 15, 2024, travelers to Cuba should prevent bug bites during visits to protect themselves from infection, as there are no vaccines to prevent Oropouche virus disease.

Note - Headlines was edited on Aug, 24, 2024,