The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are alerting residents and travellers of an increase in Oropouche fever cases in some parts of the Americas region. Oropouche fever is spread by mosquitos and has similar symptoms to dengue fever and outbreaks can occur in both rural and urban settings. Countries reporting cases include Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. Read more
Advice for travellers
Oropouche virus is part of the orthobunyavirus family, with an incubation period of 4 to 8 days. Similar to dengue, symptom onset is sudden and typically includes fever, headache, musculoskeletal pain, chills, and sometimes, nausea. Some patients experience aseptic meningitis. Most patients recover in about a week, but for some, symptoms linger for weeks.
It is mainly spread by a species of biting midge called Culicoides paraensis but can also be transmitted by certain Culex mosquitoes. 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.