How to Prevent Sexual Transmission of Oropouche Virus

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued interim recommendations to prevent the transmission of the Oropouche virus.

Oropouche is usually spread to people by the bite of an infected biting midge. Biting midges are tiny flies, often called "no-see-ums."

A recent scientific report describes Oropouche virus was found in the semen of a patient, which raises health concerns about the possible risk of sexual transmission.

A previous study described the shedding of Oropouche virus RNA in a symptomatic traveler's whole blood, serum, and urine. Virus replication was detected in semen 16 days after infection, which the authors say suggests a risk of sexual transmission. 

In June 2024, vertical transmission of the Oropouche virus was identified when RNA was detected in a stillborn infant born to a pregnant woman who had symptoms of Oropouche virus disease at 30 weeks gestation.

Therefore, as of October 15, 2024, the CDC announced men diagnosed with Oropouche infections are advised to use condoms or abstain from sex for six weeks starting from the onset of symptoms.

This is essential guidance since travel-related Oropouche cases have been confirmed in five states, including Florida (86).

Since there are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Oropouche, the CDC says the best way to protect yourself from Oropouche is to prevent bites from biting midges and mosquitoes in areas where the virus is known to occur.

As of 2024, several countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean (Cuba) are reporting increased cases. In July 2024, the Brazil Ministry of Health reported two deaths, which represent the first reported fatalities attributed to the Oropouche virus disease in the Americas.

However, there is no evidence of Oropouche virus transmission within the U.S.