Oropouche fever in the Americas

Original publication date: June 17, 2024

Updated: September 3, 2024

Current situation

There are outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease (OVD) being reported in the Americas. While it has been detected in the Americas before, the number of cases is now higher than expected, and cases are being reported in some areas of Brazil, Bolivia, and in Cuba where they haven’t been before. There have been several travel-related cases of OVD reported internationally, the majority of which were in travellers returning from Cuba. 

There are concerns that Oropouche virus can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their unborn baby, with negative pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and possibly congenital microcephaly (impaired head/ brain development).

Until more evidence is available, pregnant people travelling to affected destinations are advised to strictly follow the bug bite prevention recommendations mentioned below, and to discuss the risks of their travel plans with their health care provider.

About Oropouche virus disease

Oropouche virus disease (OVD) is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected small fly called a midge (no-see-um) or possibly certain mosquitos. The mosquitoes are most active during the night, while the midges are most active during the afternoon.

There are no vaccines to prevent OVD.

The symptoms usually start 3-8 days after the bite of an infected insect and most commonly include:

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

Other symptoms may include:

• nausea
• dizziness
• vomiting
• sensitivity to light
• pain behind the eyes
• some people may also experience a rash

In rare cases, OVD can cause severe illness, such as meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or hemorrhage (excessive bleeding).

There is no specific treatment for OVD. Medical care aims to control the symptoms and help with recovery.

Recommendations

Before your trip

Consult 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.

Review 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 prevent insect bites at all times.

• Always use an approved insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin. For best results, read and follow all label directions.
• Protect your living areas by staying in locations with well screened windows and doors, air conditioning, etc. Keep in mind, midges may pass through some screens which are not woven with very small holes.
• Consider limiting outdoor activities when the midges and mosquitos are most active.
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester. Wear long pants and tucked-in long-sleeved shirts with closed-toe shoes or boots and a hat.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping (day or night) outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed.
• Consider wearing approved insecticide-treated clothing.

Seek medical care if you develop symptoms similar to those caused by OVD while travelling.

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

Continue to monitor your health after you return to Canada. If you feel unwell and develop symptoms of OVD, seek medical care. Tell your health care provider where you have been travelling.

Fever and other symptoms are common to several types of infections, and it is not possible to tell them apart without laboratory testing. One of these infections is malaria, and it is important to tell your provider if you have travelled in a region where malaria transmission exists.

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 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. Health professionals will need to contact their local public health laboratory or clinical microbiologist for test ordering procedures.  

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

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Registration of Canadians Abroad