Oropouche virus disease in the Americas

Original publication date: June 17, 2024

Updated: November 4, 2024

Current situation

There are outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease (OVD) happening in the Americas. While this virus has been found in the region before, there are now more cases than usual, and some areas are seeing cases for the first time. Some countries have reported travel-related cases, with most reported in people coming back from Cuba.

There are concerns that the Oropouche virus could be passed from a pregnant person to their unborn baby, which might lead to serious problems like stillbirth or issues with the baby's head and brain development. Because of this, pregnant people may want to be extra cautious and avoid travelling to areas where the Oropouche virus is present until more is known about how an infection could affect their unborn baby.

About Oropouche virus disease

OVD is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus. It spreads to people through bites from an infected small fly called a midge (sometimes called no-see-ums) or possibly some type of mosquitos. The mosquitoes are most active at night, while the midges are most active during the afternoon.

There is currently not enough information to know whether Oropouche virus can be spread through sexual contact.

There are no vaccines to prevent OVD.

Symptoms usually start 3-8 days after being bitten by an infected midge or mosquito. The most common symptoms include:

• chills
• sudden fever
• severe headache
• muscle and joint pain

Other symptoms may include:

• rash
• nausea
• dizziness
• vomiting
• sensitivity to light
• pain behind the eyes

Symptoms usually last 2 to 7 days. The illness may disappear and then return again a few days to weeks later. 

Most people recover from OVD without long-term problems. However, in rare cases, it can lead to serious illness, such as:

• meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain)
• encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• hemorrhage (heavy bleeding)

There is no specific treatment for OVD. Medical care focuses on managing the symptoms and helping people recover.

Recommendations

Before your trip

Talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably at least 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Pregnant people or those planning to become pregnant should discuss the possible risks of travelling to areas with Oropouche virus with their health care provider. They may want to be extra cautious and avoid travelling to areas where the Oropouche virus is present.

Check the Travel Advice and Advisories page for your destination.

Travel advice and advisories by destination

During your trip

The best way to protect yourself when travelling is to protect yourself from biting midges and mosquitos at all times.

• Always use an approved insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin. For best results, read and follow the directions on the label.
• Stay in places with finely screened windows and doors. Keep in mind that biting midges may pass through screens with larger holes.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors (day or night) or in buildings that are not fully enclosed.
• Consider limiting outdoor activities when the midges and mosquitos are most active.
• Wear:
  • loose, light-coloured clothing made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • long pants and tucked-in long-sleeved shirts
  • closed-toe shoes or boots
  • a hat
    
• Consider wearing approved insecticide-treated clothing.

Seek medical care if you feel sick and develop symptoms similar to those caused by Oropouche virus disease.

Learn more:

Tips for healthy travel
Personal insect repellents
Insect bite and pest prevention
If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return

After your trip

If you develop symptoms of OVD, contact your health care provider. Tell them where you’ve been traveling. They’ll decide if you need medical care.

Fever and other symptoms of OVD can be similar to many other infections, and you can’t always tell them apart without lab tests. One of these infections is malaria, so it's important to let your health care provider know if you’ve travelled to an area where malaria is common.

Information for Health Care Professionals

Public health authorities and clinicians in Canada should consider OVD in their differential diagnoses for individuals with suggestive symptoms and recent travel history to an affected area. The National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) will accept samples that were collected within 7-10 days of symptom onset and are PCR negative for dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Only patients with travel history to an area with documented or suspected Oropouche virus circulation will be tested at this time, with prioritization of those with travel to outbreak areas. Exceptions may be requested by provincial or territorial public health authorities. Contact your local public health laboratory for the latest information.

Vertical transmission is being investigated in potential cases related to fetal deaths and newborn microcephaly. Additionally, sexual transmission has been documented in other viruses, such as Zika. Further research is required to determine if sexual transmission may be possible with Oropouche virus. Close follow-up with an obstetrician and an infectious disease specialist is advisable for pregnant individuals who have been exposed to Oropouche virus.

The Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT) has developed a statement on measures to prevent arthropod bites.

Statement on Personal Protective Measures to Prevent Arthropod Bites

Learn more:

Interim Clinical Considerations for Pregnant People with Confirmed or Probable Oropouche Virus Disease

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.

Registration of Canadians Abroad