Oropouche Virus Disease

Oropouche is a vector-borne disease.

It is a viral disease transmitted to humans by midges and mosquitos. It was first described in the 1950’s and is found in South America and the Caribbean. Over thirty outbreaks and more than 500,000 cases have been reported over the last 30 years. Cases have been reported in Brazil, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago and Panama.

The name Oropouche comes from the community of Vega de Oropouche in Trinidad. It is where the first clinical case was identified in 1955.

CDC has recently reported cases from Cuba (August 2024) and there are concerns that its range and the number of cases will increase with climate change.

Two transmission cycles are described. The urban cycle involves mosquitoes as well as midges. Mammals (sloths, non-human primates, rodents) and birds are involved in the jungle cycle. Humans are the link between the two cycles. More research is needed to understand the full public health implications of the disease.

The clinical picture of Oropouche is very similar to dengue fever with headache, fever, muscle aches and pains and skin rash. It is usually self-limited, but deaths have occurred. Vertical transmission of the disease with adverse outcomes (congenital malformations, foetal death) has been reported in pregnancy. There is no treatment.

Oropouche is a concern for travellers. Midges and mosquitos are found in many tropical and subtropical locations in areas of risk. Several countries have reported cases in popular tourist destinations. The risk is highest in countries experiencing outbreaks.

Attention to insect avoidance measures is important for everyone travelling in risk areas.

While Oropouche may not be a serious disease in most instances, other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria might have serious consequences. It should be considered in any traveller returning home from an area of risk with a fever of unknown origin.