Oropouche Virus Disease Detected Among U.S. Travelers

The emergence of Oropouche virus, an arthropod-borne virus in the Americas, has become a major health concern, infecting more than 8,000 people this year, predominately in South America. For the first time, Oropouche virus caused two deaths and five cases of pregnant women transmitting  the virus to their fetus, resulting in fetal death or congenital abnormalities, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a health alert. 

This year, infections, primarily transmitted through biting midges (a type of flying insect) and some mosquitos, also have been spreading in counties where Oropouche virus hasn’t been seen before, CNN reported. Locally acquired cases have been reported in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru.

The CDC reported 21 Oropouche virus disease cases among U.S. travelers returning from Cuba as of Aug. 16. Most U.S. patients had self-limited illness. At least three patients experienced recurrent symptoms after resolution of the initial illness. Symptoms of Oropouche virus disease are like those of other diseases, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, which are tested for before testing for Oropouche.

The current risk of sustained local transmission in the continental U.S. is believed to be low, but countries like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands present a higher risk. Currently, no vaccine exists to protect against Oropouche virus. Pregnant people are currently advised to reconsider nonessential travel to areas with an Oropouche virus Level 2 Travel Health Notice, and all travelers should exercise caution.

About 60% of people who are infected develop symptoms, according to the CDC. Climate change and deforestation create more opportunities for people to interact with infected insects and raise the risk of spread, according to the Pan American Health Organization.