Key points
- Oropouche virus is spread to people primarily by the bite of infected biting midges. Some mosquitoes can also spread the virus.
- Oropouche virus has been reported in parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- Common symptoms include fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and joint pains.
- There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Oropouche.
- The best way to protect yourself from Oropouche is to prevent bug bites.
![Family using repellent Family on a picnic and using insect repellent to protect themselves from bug bites.](/oropouche/media/images/2024/07/PHOCO-183-family-repellent-16-9.jpg)
Overview
Oropouche virus is spread to people primarily by the bite of infected biting midges. Some mosquitoes can also spread the virus. Most infected people will develop symptoms that can often reoccur.
There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Oropouche. The best way to protect yourself from Oropouche is to prevent bites from biting midges and mosquitoes.
There is no evidence that Oropouche virus has been spread in the United States. Oropouche virus has been found in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- Before 2000, outbreaks of Oropouche virus were reported in Brazil, Panama, and Peru. Evidence of animals being infected was also noted in Colombia and Trinidad during this time.
- In the last 25 years, cases of Oropouche have been identified in many countries in the Amazon region, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, and Peru. In addition, one child was found to be infected in Haiti in 2014.
- In June 2024, Cuba reported its first confirmed Oropouche case.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain. Other symptoms can include sensitivity to light, dizziness, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and rash. Symptoms typically last less than a week (2–7 days) and can often reoccur a few days or even weeks later. Most people with Oropouche recover within several days to one month.
Some people (fewer than one in 20) will develop more serious disease. This includes meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or bleeding. Death from Oropouche is rare.
![Oropouche symptoms Graphic showing symptoms of Oropouche: fever/chills, headache, muscle aches/joint pain, nausea/vomiting, rash, diarrhea.](/oropouche/media/images/2024/08/352201-A_OropoucheVirussymptomGraphic_TW.png)
Infection during pregnancy
CDC is working with international partners to learn more about the risks of Oropouche virus infection during pregnancy. Brazil has reported cases of Oropouche virus being passed from a pregnant person to their fetus, possibly resulting in the death of the fetus or congenital abnormalities like microcephaly. These cases are under investigation.
CDC is working with state and local health departments to identify people with symptoms who have been in areas where Oropouche virus is spreading.
Information for pregnant travelers
All travelers can protect themselves from Oropouche, dengue, Zika, and other viruses spread by insects by preventing insect bites. Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent; wear long-sleeved shirts and pants; and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.
Pregnant travelers should talk to their healthcare provider about travel plans, why they're traveling, steps to prevent insect bites, and potential risks. If you're pregnant and considering travel to countries with an Oropouche virus Level 2 Travel Health Notice, reconsider nonessential travel. If you must travel, strictly follow steps to prevent insect bites during travel.
Causes and spread
Oropouche virus is spread to people primarily by the bite of an infected biting midge (Culicoides paraensis). Biting midges are small flies, often called “no-see-ums.” It can also be spread by some mosquitoes.
Prevention
The best way to protect yourself and your family from Oropouche is to prevent bites from biting midges and mosquitoes.
Testing and diagnosis
Talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms like those caused by Oropouche and recently traveled to an area where Oropouche occurs or an area experiencing an Oropouche outbreak. Tell them about your travel history. Your healthcare provider can order laboratory tests to diagnose Oropouche.
Learn more about testing
Treatment
There are no medicines to treat Oropouche. Symptoms can be treated by getting rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration, and taking over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain. Additional medical care or hospitalization might be needed to manage more severe symptoms.
Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Resources
On August 16, 2024, CDC issued a Health Advisory titled, "Increased Oropouche Virus Activity and Associated Risk to Travelers" via the Health Alert Network.
- Photo of female Culicoides furens courtesy of Dr. Nathan Burkett-Cadena, University of Florida