Virus Spread By Midges And Mosquitoes Sees Dramatic Increase In Brazil

Oropouche Virus Outbreak Raises Alarm in South America

Virus Spread by Midges and Mosquitoes Sees Dramatic Increase in Brazil

PAHO Issues Epidemiological Alert

Washington, D.C., July 18, 2024 – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert regarding a recent surge in Oropouche virus (OROV) cases in Brazil.

The Oropouche virus is a little-known pathogen transmitted by midges and mosquitoes. In 2024, over 7,700 OROV cases have been reported in five countries of the Americas, with the majority occurring in Brazil.

The current outbreak of OROV infection is concentrated in the Amazonas and Acre states of Brazil. The virus is also present in other regions of South America, including Bolivia, Peru, and French Guiana.

Oropouche fever (OF) is an emerging zoonotic arboviral disease caused by OROV. Symptoms of OF include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, OF can lead to encephalitis and other complications.

The concurrent dengue epidemic in Brazil, with over one million cases reported in the first two quarters of 2024, is likely contributing to the increased spread of OROV. Both viruses are transmitted by the same mosquito species, Aedes aegypti.

PAHO is urging countries to strengthen surveillance for OROV and other arboviral diseases. Public health measures to control mosquitoes and protect people from infection should also be implemented.