5 Things You Need to Know about Oropouche

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Oropouche is a virus found in Central America, South America, and the Carribean. Learn the top five things you need to know to protect yourself and your family.

Family on a picnic and using insect repellent to protect themselves from bug bites.

An Oropouche outbreak is occurring in South America and the Caribbean

  • From late 2023-2024, outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease (Oropouche) have been reported in several countries in South America and the Caribbean.
  • Travel-associated cases among U.S. residents have been reported, but local transmission has not been detected in the United States.

Oropouche is spread by infected biting midges

  • Biting midges are small flies, often called "no-see-ums."
  • It can also be spread by some mosquitoes.
  • When people who are infected with Oropouche are bitten, they can spread the virus through their blood to biting midges or mosquitoes. The biting midge or mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.
  • The virus is NOT spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or touching.

The best way to protect yourself from Oropouche is to prevent bites from biting midges and mosquitoes

  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
  • When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective.
  • Look for EPA-registered repellents labeled for flies, biting flies, or Culicoides (biting midges, punkies, granny nippers, and no-see-ums).
  • Prevent bites while traveling if you'll be going

Oropouche virus can be passed from a pregnant person to their fetus

  • This type of spread has been associated with to poor pregnancy outcomes such as fetal deaths, stillbirths, and birth defects.
  • The likelihood of an infected pregnant person passing the virus to their fetus is not currently known.
  • CDC is working to understand the potential risks of Oropouche during pregnancy and will share updates as we learn more.

The likelihood of Oropouche spreading widely in the continental United States is low

  • Although the likelihood of Oropouche spreading widely in the continental United States is low because of differences in climate, types of biting midges and mosquitoes, and lifestyles (such as the use of air conditioning), some cases could occur in limited areas.
  • CDC continues to evaluate the possibility of spread in the continental United States, and we will update as we know more.
  • It is unknown how widely Oropouche virus could spread in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands as they have a similar climate as other areas with recent cases.