Investigations into a spike of dengue-like illnesses last month in the country’s central rainforest region has instead led to the first confirmed presence of Oropouche virus (OROV) in French Guiana. Currently 37 confirmed and probable cases have been recorded from a population of 50 to 80 in the commune of Saül, a popular destination for hikers and entomologists that is only accessible by air. Other countries in the region have reported cases of Oropouche fever and the principle vectors, the Culicoides midge and a Culex spp mosquito, are present hence the advice from the WHO to include OROV ‘ in the clinical differential diagnosis for other common vector-borne diseases in the region of the Americas (e.g., malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever)’. More on Oropouche fever in WHO Disease outbreak news.
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.