Key points
- Oropouche virus is spread to people primarily by the bite of infected biting midges.
- People living in or traveling to parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, including pregnant people, could get sick with Oropouche.
- The best way to protect yourself from Oropouche is to prevent bug bites.
Who it affects
Oropouche virus is spread to people primarily by the bite of infected biting midges. Some mosquitoes can also spread the virus. A recent scientific report describes the first time Oropouche virus was found in semen of a patient who had Oropouche, which raises concern about the possible risk of sexual transmission. Other viruses (like Zika and Ebola viruses) in semen have been associated with sexual transmission of other infectious diseases. No cases of sexual transmission of Oropouche virus have been reported. Most infected people will develop symptoms that can often reoccur.
People at risk for getting sick
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. This includes pregnant people.
People are more likely to be infected if they spend time outdoors, such as people who hike, garden, or fish.
People at risk for severe illness
While we are still learning about Oropouche, people at risk for more severe disease likely include those at risk for severe disease with other viral infections spread by vectors (people 65 or older, people with underlying medical conditions, such as immune suppression, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease).
Birth complications for pregnant people
Based on limited information from Brazil and Cuba, Oropouche virus can be passed from a pregnant person to their fetus. This spread has been associated with the baby being stillborn or having birth defects.
CDC is working with international partners to learn more about the potential risks of Oropouche during pregnancy and will provide more information when more is known.
