The CDC has issued a health advisory to clinicians and public health authorities due to the increase of Oropouche virus cases in the Americas.
The cases are originating from endemic areas in the Amazon basin as well as new areas in South America and the Caribbean, according to an Aug. 16 news release from the agency.
There have been more than 8,000 Oropouche virus cases reported in 2024 from Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba.
Though travel-associated cases have been identified in the U.S. and Europe from individuals who traveled to Cuba and Brazil, "no evidence of local transmission currently exists within the United States or its territories," the release said.
Here are eight things physicians should know about Oropouche virus, according to the release:
- Pregnant people are recommended to reconsider non-essential travel to areas with reported cases of Oropouche virus.
- Approximately 60% of Oropouche virus infected individuals will become symptomatic.
- Oropouche virus has a typical incubation period of three to 10 days.
- Symptoms of Oropouche virus include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and joint stiffness.
- An estimated fewer than 5% of patients will develop symptoms beyond the typical mild illness. More serious symptoms can include hemorrhagic manifestation or neuroinvasive disease.
- Physicians should contact their local health department to facilitate testing if necessary.
- There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments for Oropouche virus.
- Physicians who suspect a patient may have Oropouche virus disease should rule out dengue virus infection.