GNV News, August 9, 2024

In Latin America, as of July 20, 2024, at least 8,078 confirmed cases of Oropouche fever had been reported, and two people had died, the Brazil Ministry of Health announced. Cases are concentrated in the Latin American countries of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), at least 7,284 people—90% of all cases—have been confirmed in Brazil, a significant increase from the 832 cases reported in 2023.

The Oropouche virus is transmitted by arthropod vectors. Climate change has been cited as a factor behind the outbreak, with rising temperatures leading to an increase in vector insects. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, headache, and vomiting, and some cases can be fatal. Because the symptoms resemble dengue fever, misdiagnosis has also been reported. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral to prevent or treat it.

Learn more about underreported global health and medical issues → “The current state of underreported global health and medical issues“

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Biting midge that transmits the Oropouche virus (Photo: Alan R Walker / Wikimedia Commons [CC-BY-SA-3.0])