Oropouche in the Americas

Level 4 - Avoid All Travel
Level 3 - Reconsider Nonessential Travel
Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions
Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions
Areas of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba with outbreaks of Oropouche fever
Map: Areas of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba with outbreaks of Oropouche (see larger map)
What is Oropouche?

Oropouche is a disease caused by Oropouche virus. It is spread through the bites of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes.

Symptoms of Oropouche are similar to dengue and include headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light. Severe cases may result in neuroinvasive disease such as meningitis.

Symptoms typically start 4–8 days after being bitten and last 3–6 days. Most people recover without long-term effects. Treatment is supportive; no specific medications or vaccines are available.

Key points

  • There are outbreaks of Oropouche in parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba (see map).
  • Oropouche is spread by the bite of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes.
  • Illness can occur in people of any age and is often mistaken for dengue.
  • Travelers to affected areas should take steps to avoid bug bites.
  • Travelers should seek medical care if they develop high fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light during or after travel.
  • On July 17, 2024, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert about possible cases of pregnant mother-to-child transmission of Oropouche virus with adverse pregnancy outcomes in Brazil. These cases are under investigation. It is not clear if infection with Oropouche virus was the cause of negative health outcomes for the fetuses. CDC is working with PAHO and other international partners to learn more about the potential risks of Oropouche during pregnancy.

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