Traveling? Don't Let Oropouche Virus Ruin Your Adventure

Planning a trip to Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, or Cuba? Beware of the Oropouche virus—no vaccine, no treatment, only prevention! Stay protected from this mosquito-borne disease.

Traveling south this winter? Oropouche virus (sloth fever), a new infectious disease, has been found in travelers from Canada and the U.S. after visiting Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Cuba.

An article published in Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) provides an overview of the emerging Oropouche virus ().

Sloth Fever: The Virus That's Moving Slowly But Surely
Oropouche virus, or "sloth fever," has shown recent outbreaks in South America and the Caribbean, and cases reported in the US and Europe.

‘Did You Know?
Pregnant individuals infected with Oropouche virus may experience serious complications, including miscarriage and microcephaly, similar to Zika. #OropoucheVirus #pregnancy #infectiousdisease #medindia’

Oropouche Virus: The Emerging Threat with Flu-Like Symptoms

Similar to viruses like dengue and Zika, Oropouche virus symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. The incubation period is 3–10 days, and symptoms last 2–7 days and may recur weeks later in some people. The virus is transmitted by small biting midges and some mosquitoes.

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Don’t Let the Mosquitoes Bite: Prevent Oropouche Virus Infection

Wearing long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito nets and insect repellents containing DEET can help prevent infection.

Oropouche Fever No Longer Confined To Villagers
Brazil runs a serious risk of being afflicted by Oropouche, another virus that is widely distributed throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean.

No Vaccine for Oropouche Virus: Prevention is Your Best Defense

There are currently no vaccines or antivirals to prevent or treat Oropouche virus. Acetaminophen is recommended for symptom relief; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications should not be used.

Zika Fever
Zika virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes which causes mild fever with maculopapular rash. No treatment or vaccine is currently available.

Pregnant? Avoid Oropouche Virus Outbreak Areas

As with Zika virus, in pregnant people, Oropouche virus may cause miscarriage and microcephaly. Given these risks, The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travelers take precautions to avoid insect bites, and that pregnant people or people planning pregnancy consider deferring travel to areas with Oropouche outbreaks.

References:

Oropouche virus - (https://www.cmaj.ca/content/197/9/E244)

Source-Canadian Medical Association Journal