Oropouche Virus

Oropouche virus is spread to people by the bite of infected biting midges and some species of mosquitoes. Biting midges are small flies, sometimes called "no-see-ums." Oropouche virus most commonly causes fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and joint pains. Some people (fewer than 1 in 20) with Oropouche develop more serious disease. Most people with Oropouche will recover within several days to one month. Death from Oropouche is rare.

Mosquitoes and midges that carry Oropouche virus are found mainly in parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean however they can also be found in parts of the southeastern and midwestern United States. Some people have tested positive after returning from areas where Oropouche has been found. So far, Oropouche virus has not spread in the United States. There are no vaccines to prevent infection with Oropouche virus. The best way to protect yourself from Oropouche virus is to prevent bites from biting midges and mosquitoes if you are spending time in an area with Oropouche virus.

What is Oropouche virus?

• Oropouche virus is spread by the bite of an infected biting midge, often called "no-see-ums," or an infected mosquito.
• Oropouche virus usually causes fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and joint pains. Sometimes people also become sensitive to light, feel dizzy, have pain behind the eyes, have nausea, vomit, get a rash, or have diarrhea. Some people will develop more serious symptoms.
• The midges and mosquitoes that carry Oropouche virus are mostly found in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean however they can also be found in parts of the southeastern and midwestern United States. So far, the only people diagnosed with Oropouche in the United States had returned from countries where there were outbreaks.
• Areas currently experiencing outbreaks can be found by visiting the CDC Travelers' Health page.

What to do to prevent Oropouche virus

• There are no vaccines to prevent infection with Oropouche virus.
• People who travel to areas where Oropouche virus is spread should take these steps to avoid bites from midges and mosquitoes:
  • Stay in places with air conditioning or that have windows with screens made of a fine mesh (holes less than 1mm in size).
  • Use insect repellents.
    • Look for EPA-registered repellents labeled for flies, biting flies, or Culicoides (biting midges, punkies, granny nippers, and no-see-ums).
    • Be sure to follow label directions.
    • Dress in long sleeves and tuck pants into socks or boots.
    • Children should only handle repellents with adult supervision. Adults should apply repellents to their own hands first and then gently spread on the child's exposed skin. Avoid applying directly to children's hands. After returning indoors, wash your child's treated skin and clothing with soap and water or give the child a bath.
    • Do not apply near eyes, nose, or mouth and use sparingly around ears.
    • After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
    • More information on repellents can be found at Environmental Protection Agency - insect-repellents.
  • Use fans outdoors when possible to help blow biting midges and mosquitoes away.
• Because Oropouche virus was found in semen of a patient with the virus, researchers are studying if Oropouche virus can be spread through sex. The CDC has guidance to reduce the risk of getting Oropouche from a sexual partner who may have been in an area where Oropouche virus has been found.
• Insects can spread the virus from someone who is infected by biting that person and then biting someone else, so continue to prevent insect bites for 3 weeks after you return from areas where there have been people infected with Oropouche.

How is Oropouche virus spread?

• Oropouche virus is typically spread by the bite of infected biting midges, also called "no-see-ums" (Culicoides paraensis) but can also be spread by certain mosquitoes (i.e. Culex quinquefasciatus, Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Aedes serratus). None of these species are believed to be found currently in New York State.
• Midges and mosquitoes can become infected after biting non-human animal hosts or by biting a person who has Oropouche virus in his or her blood.
• Oropouche virus can spread when a midge or mosquito bites a person who has Oropouche virus and then bites someone else.
• Oropouche virus has been found at high levels in the semen of an infected individual, which could mean that it may be spread through sex (CDC - Oropouche: Causes and How It Spreads).

Who gets Oropouche virus?

• Anyone can get Oropouche virus if they are bitten by infected midges or mosquitoes. So far, there have only been Oropouche outbreaks in parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
• Researchers are still learning about Oropouche, but people at risk for more severe disease may include:
  • Those aged 65 or older.
  • Those with underlying medical conditions, such as immune suppression, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
• Oropouche virus can be spread from a pregnant person to their unborn baby but scientists are still learning more. The virus may cause a baby to be stillborn or have birth defects such as microcephaly (a small head size).

See CDC Travel Notices to learn if there are outbreaks where you will be traveling.

What are the signs and symptoms of Oropouche?

• Oropouche symptoms may include:
  • Sudden onset of fever
  • Severe headache
  • Chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Dizziness
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Diarrhea
• Symptoms may take 3 to 10 days to appear after you are bitten. They usually last between 2 and 7 days but can reoccur a few days to a few weeks later.
• Most people infected with Oropouche virus develop symptoms. Very few people develop more serious disease, including meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or bleeding.
• A few people with Oropouche virus in Cuba developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which damages nerves, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis lasting from weeks to months. They usually recover fully, but GBS in some people can leave permanent damage.
• Death from Oropouche is rare. Most people with Oropouche will recover within several days to one month.

How is Oropouche diagnosed?

• If you have traveled to an area where Oropouche occurs and you have symptoms of the virus, your health care provider can order laboratory tests to help diagnose Oropouche.
• The laboratory may draw blood or, if illness is more serious, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
• Health care providers may try to rule out other infections such as dengue virus infection.

Can Oropouche cause birth defects?

• There is little information about how Oropouche may affect pregnant people and their fetus. Based on a few cases, there are concerns that the Oropouche virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to their fetus. It has been associated with fetal death, and birth defects, such as microcephaly (a small head size).
• People who are pregnant and plan to travel should discuss travel plans and possible risks with their health care provider before traveling to areas with an Oropouche outbreak.

What is the treatment for Oropouche?

• There is no specific treatment available for Oropouche.
• Treatment for symptoms can include rest, fluids, and the use of pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, to reduce fever and pain. People with more severe symptoms may need to be treated in the hospital.
• Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• People with Oropouche who are pregnant should be closely monitored by their health care provider. The infant should be evaluated at birth.

If someone already had Oropouche can they get infected again?

Researchers do not know yet if you can get Oropouche more than once.

Additional Information