Complications of Oropouche and Pregnancy

Oropouche and Pregnancy

Oropouche virus is spread to people by the bites from infected biting midges, sometimes called "no-see-ums." Some mosquitoes can also spread the virus. Oropouche virus has been found in semen. It is unknown if the virus can be spread through sex. No cases of sexual transmission of Oropouche virus have been reported.

The most common symptoms include

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain

Symptoms usually last 2–7 days, but often come back a few days or even weeks later. Most people with Oropouche virus disease (Oropouche) recover within several days to a month. Some people may get very sick with Oropouche. There are no reports of pregnant people getting sicker than others.

What is known about Oropouche during pregnancy

There is little information on Oropouche in pregnancy. Based on a few cases, there are concerns that the Oropouche virus can be passed from a pregnant person to their fetus. This has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, such as stillbirth, and birth defects, such as microcephaly. CDC is working to understand the potential risks of Oropouche during pregnancy and will share updates as we learn more.

If you get Oropouche during pregnancy

There are no medicines to treat Oropouche or prevent the infection spreading to the fetus.

• 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.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about plans for monitoring your pregnancy and evaluating your infant at birth.

Areas with Oropouche

Oropouche virus has been found in certain countries of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. In late 2023, Oropouche virus was identified as causing large outbreaks in areas where it historically occurred and new areas in South America. In June 2024, Cuba reported its first confirmed Oropouche case. For the latest information, see Countries and Territories with Recent or Previous Oropouche Virus Transmission.

There is currently no identified spread of Oropouche virus in the United States. The likelihood of the virus spreading widely or causing sustained transmission in the continental United States is likely low because of differences in climate, biting midge and mosquito populations, and lifestyles (such as the use of air conditioning). The risk of sustained transmission in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands is unknown.

If you are planning travel to an area with Oropouche

There is no vaccine or medicines to prevent or treat Oropouche. Before traveling, pregnant travelers should discuss travel plans and potential risks with their healthcare provider.

How to prevent bug bites

Reconsider non-essential travel to areas with a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Oropouche.

Protect yourself and your pregnancy if you must travel. Follow these important steps to prevent bug bites during and 3 weeks after your trip:

• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents, which are proven safe and effective to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens designed to keep biting midges or mosquitoes outside.
  • Many commonly used widow and door screens do not have holes small enough to prevent biting midges from getting inside.
  • To prevent biting midges from entering your home, look for screens with mesh screens measuring 20x20.

Testing if you travel to an area with Oropouche

If you get sick with symptoms of Oropouche while traveling or within 2 weeks of returning home:

• Talk with your healthcare provider about where you traveled and your symptoms.
• Your healthcare provider may test you for Oropouche and possibly other diseases that are common where you traveled.

If you did not have symptoms of Oropouche during travel or within 2 weeks of returning home:

• Tell your healthcare provider about where you have traveled during your next scheduled prenatal check-up.
• Routine testing for Oropouche is not recommended if you do not have symptoms. If there are concerning findings on obstetric ultrasounds or other pregnancy complications, your healthcare provider may contact the health department to determine if you should be tested.
  

Breastfeeding

At this time, there are no reports of Oropouche virus being spread through breastfeeding. Because of the many benefits of breastfeeding

• Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed, even if they were diagnosed with Oropouche or lived or traveled to an area with Oropouche.
• It is important to take steps to prevent bug bites as noted above. EPA-registered insect repellents when used as directed are safe and effective for breastfeeding women.

Possible sexual transmission

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.

CDC has interim recommendations for male travelers and all travelers to areas with a Level 1 or 2 Travel Health Notice for Oropouche to prevent possible transmission during sex.