Oropouche virus in Barbados
28 Jan 2025
The Barbados Ministry of Health reports 2 cases of Oropouche virus infection as of 7 January 2025. These are the first cases of this infection on the island.
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 insect 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.