August 28, 2024

U.S. CDC: Increased Oropouche Virus Activity and Associated Risk to Travelers

Please review this information about an increased risk of Oropouche virus (OROV) infection in the U.S. associated with an increase in global Oropouche activity and key actions clinicians can take to recognize Oropouche, order appropriate testing, ensure timely reporting to public health authorities, and promote prevention measures.

Oropouche virus is an emerging arthropod-borne virus spread by biting midges and mosquitoes. Initial symptoms are non-specific and may resemble chikungunya, dengue, and Zika. Symptoms usually start 3-10 days after a bite from an infected midge or mosquito and resolve after a few days, but 70% experience recurrent symptoms days to weeks after initial illness.

Clinicians should consider OROV infection in symptomatic patients with recent travel to any area with OROV activity. Because dengue co-circulates in many areas with OROV activity, dengue infection should be ruled out before testing for OROV. Testing for OROV, for symptomatic patients meeting the suspect case definition, is available only at U.S. CDC and must be approved by Maine CDC. If approved, samples can be sent to the Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL). Clinicians can refer to U.S. CDC specimen requirements to determine the proper specimens to submit for testing. A HETL Requisition Form and Human Arbovirus Submission Form are required with all submissions.

Advisory (PDF)