Over 37 Areas Reporting Oropouche Cases

A recent study stressed the possible underestimation of Oropouche Fever (OF) cases and the potential global threat this arbovirus infection represents.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed multiple cases of Oropouche in U.S. and European travelers returning from travel to Cuba, indicating an ongoing risk.

In the United States, Florida has reported 70 Oropouche cases in individuals with a travel history to an endemic area such as Cuba. The counties reporting cases are Broward (3), Duval, Hillsborough (6), Lee (2), Miami-Dade (28), Orange (2), Palm Beach (2), Pasco, Polk (2), and Sarasota.

As of September 29, 2024, the CDC has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice (THN) focused on Cuba's expanding Oropouche outbreak.

The CDC has issued a Level 1 THN for the Region of the Americas, identifying 37 areas at risk in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Peru.

Travelers to these affected areas should take steps to prevent insect bites, as the bite of infected midges and mosquitoes spreads Oropouche. This illness can occur in people of any age and is often mistaken for dengue fever.

Oropouche Virus (OROV; genus of Orthobunyavirus) is the causal agent of OF. Due to the lack of specific signs and symptoms and the limited availability of diagnostic tests, the actual epidemiology of OROV infections remains elusive.

While most infected people recover, there were also concerns about an increase in possible cases of the Oropouche virus being passed from a pregnant person to their fetus associated with fetal deaths and congenital abnormalities. 

The CDC has confirmed no specific treatment or preventive vaccine for Oropouche exists.