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.
Overview
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 found in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Anyone who is living in or traveling to an area where Oropouche virus is found and has not already been infected with Oropouche virus is at risk for infection.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain. Symptoms typically last less than a week (2–7 days) and can often reoccur a few days or even weeks later.
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
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
Healthcare providers: Clinical Overview of Oropouche Virus Disease provides detailed information on testing.
Public health officials: Updated Interim Guidance for Health Departments provides detailed information on testing and reporting.
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) to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Photo of female Culicoides furens courtesy of Dr. Nathan Burkett-Cadena, University of Florida