Oropouche fever is a disease transmitted by _Culicoides paraensis_known as maruim or mosquito-pólvora, has been reported in Colombia, the fourth country in the Americas to report cases of the disease this year, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said in an epidemiologic update. The infections were detected via retrospective case-finding from 187 samples collected in 2024 by Colombia's National Health Institute as part of dengue surveillance. The patients are from Amazonas and Meta departments. Amazonas is in the far south, and Meta is the central region. The disease is spread by midges and some mosquito species. Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru have also reported cases this year. The number of cases in Brazil have risen to 55. Read more
Advice for travellers
All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of Oropouche fever and should be aware of this infection. There are no vaccines or drugs to prevent Oropouche. The best way for travellers to prevent infection is to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Minimise the amount of skin exposed, long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks should be worn as much as possible. Apply insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or Citriodiol (PMD) to exposed skin. Stay in well-screened or air conditioned areas. Travellers developing a fever and/or flu-like symptoms either during or on return home from travel to outbreak areas are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.