Oropouche fever in South America and the Caribbean
08 Oct 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have added Guyana and the Dominican Republic to the list of countries where Oropouche virus has been transmitted in 2024. Other affected countries are Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Peru.
Oropouche fever is a viral infection spread by the bites of midges and mosquitoes. Symptoms typically start 4-8 days after being bitten, and can include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, stomach pain, vomiting, rash, or sensitivity to light.
Recovery usually occurs after a week and severe illness is rare. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Oropouche fever.
There is a possibility that Oropouche viruscan be transmitted to babies during pregnancy.
Advice for Travellers
If you are travelling to an affected region you are potentially at risk of Oropouche fever and should be aware of this infection.
- You should protect yourself against mosquito bites at all times.
If you are unwell during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.