Latin American countries at risk for Oropouche virus

Media reports indicate that the Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a health alert, advising international travellers to be aware of the rising risk of infection in several Latin American countries, particularly Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Cuba. In recent months, new outbreaks have been identified in these countries, with cases also reported among travellers returning to Canada and the United States. Experts are concerned that the spread of the virus could develop into a global health problem. The Oropouche virus is transmitted mainly through the bite of small midges of the genus Culicoides and, in some cases, by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or specific cure, so treatment is based on managing symptoms, including high fever, shivers, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, and reducing fever with acetaminophen. Initial studies have indicated a potential association between Oropouche virus infection and risks of spontaneous abortion and microcephaly in pregnant women. The most effective strategy at present is prevention, and travellers are advised to protect themselves by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets.