Contemporary Oropouche Virus Isolates Circulating in the Americas

Oropouche fever, caused by Oropouche virus (OROV), is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of the midge Culicoides paraensis. The disease often presents symptoms similar to dengue fever, including fever, headache, arthralgia, myalgia, chills, and sometimes nausea. Over the last ten years, most cases of Oropouche virus have been identified in the Amazon region.^1,2

On 2 February 2024, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization issued an epidemiological alert on rising Oropouche virus infections in South America.³ By 3 August 2024, this alert level had escalated from medium to high.⁴ Historically endemic to the Amazon region, OROV has seen significant spread. As of early October, 10,275 confirmed Oropouche cases were reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, and Peru. Travel-associated cases have also been identified in Europe and the United States. In Brazil, adverse pregnancy outcomes linked to OROV infection have prompted ongoing investigations into possible vertical transmission of the virus.⁵

To support response efforts to this latest outbreak, a contemporary OROV isolate derived from a returning traveler from Cuba will be available soon from BEI Resources.

References:

1. Romero-Alvarez, D., and L.E. Escobar. “Oropouche Fever, an Emergent Disease from the Americas.” Microbes Infect. 20 (2018): 135-146. PubMed: 29247710.

2. Sakkas H., et al. “Oropouche Fever: A Review.” Viruses 10 (2018): 175. PubMed: 29617280.

3. “Epidemiological Alert - Oropouche in the Region of the Americas.” Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization, https://www.paho.org/en/documents/epidemiological-alert-oropouche-region-americas-2-february-2024. Accessed 17 October 2024.

4. “Public Health Risk Assessment related to Oropouche Virus (OROV) in the Region of the Americas.” Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization, https://www.paho.org/en/documents/public-health-risk-assessment-related-oropouche-virus-orov-region-americas-3-august-2024. Accessed 17 October 2024.

5. “Epidemiological Update Oropouche in the Americas Region.” Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization, https://www.paho.org/en/documents/epidemiological-update-oropouche-americas-region-15-october-2024. Accessed 17 October 2024.