PAHO new update reveals increased spread of Orupouche fever in the Americas
THE PAN AMERICAN Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a new epidemiological update on Oropouche fever, a viral disease that has resurged across the Americas since late 2023. So far in 2025, 12,786 confirmed cases have been reported across 11 countries — seven with local transmission and four with imported cases — reflecting the growing spread of this virus, primarily transmitted by the Culicoides paraensis midge.
From January 1 to July 27, 2025, confirmed cases are distributed as follows: Brazil (11,888 cases), Panama (501), Peru (330), Cuba (28), Colombia (26), Venezuela (5), and Guyana (1). Imported cases have been reported in Uruguay (3), Chile (2), Canada (1), and the United States (1).
In 2024, the Region recorded 16,239 cases across 11 countries and one territory, including four deaths, the PAHO update states.
In 2025, Brazil has borne the greatest burden, with cases reported in 20 states — primarily Espírito Santo (6,322) and Rio de Janeiro (2,497).The country has also reported five deaths, as well as cases of neurological complications and fetal deaths currently under investigation. Panama and Peru have also experienced significant outbreaks, while Cuba and Colombia have reported fewer cases.
Oropouche fever typically causes high fever, severe headaches, and muscle and joint pain, with most patients recovering in two to three weeks, though up to 60% may experience relapses. In rare cases, it can lead to meningitis or encephalitis, and in pregnant women, there are concerns about potential fetal risks.
The virus’s spread to non-endemic areas, such as urban regions in Cuba, is driven by factors like climate change, deforestation, and urbanization of forested areas, which boost the midge population.
PAHO is emphasising the need for stronger epidemiological surveillance and vector control to curb the disease, which currently has no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.
Key PAHO recommendations to countries in the Region include: Surveillance- Adapt actions based on the epidemiological situation in each country to detect the virus’s introduction into new areas, monitor its spread in areas with local transmission, and properly characterize the epidemiological landscape.
Vector control- Eliminate midge breeding sites by clearing vegetation and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Personal protection-Prevent bites by using bed nets, protective clothing, and repellents containing DEET, IR3535, or icaridin, especially for pregnant women and rural workers.
Clinical management-Strengthen early clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis, particularly with dengue. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and fever, ensuring hydration, and managing vomiting, while monitoring for neurological complications or issues in pregnant women.
PAHO stresses that national and regional collaboration is essential to monitor and control the spread of the virus, especially amid the circulation of other arboviruses like dengue.
The organization said it is supporting countries with technical guidance on diagnosis, clinical management, and vector prevention and control, urging prompt reporting of unusual events, such as deaths or cases of vertical transmission.
Comments
