Increased Oropouche Virus Activity and Associated Risk to Travelers

Date:8/19/2024
Official Message No.:112172-8-19-2024-PHAD
Contact Info: Kim | Kim.Cervantes@doh.nj.gov
Zach | george.keefer@doh.nj.gov
Attachments: Yes Attachment 1

Please review the attached Health Advisory concerning an increase in Oropouche virus disease in South America and the Caribbean. Biting midges, often called “no-see-ums” and possibly certain mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting the virus from an infected person to an uninfected person.

In the US and Europe in 2024, travel-associated cases have been identified in travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil. No cases of Oropouche have been detected in New Jersey travelers.

Between January 1 and August 1, 2024, more than 8,000 cases of Oropouche virus disease were reported in the Americas, including two deaths and five cases of vertical transmission associated with fetal death or congenital abnormalities.

The attached message contains recommendations for healthcare providers, information on testing, and considerations for travel.


This information has been broadcast to: Community Health Centers(FQHCs); Health Care Providers; Dentists; Dermatologists; ICPs; Infectious Disease; Internist/Critical Care; Medical Society; Neurologists; Nurses; OB/GYNs; Occupational Med; Ophthalmologists; Other Specialties; Other-Health Care Providers; Pediatricians; Primary Care/Family Practice; Surgeons; Administration; Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; Emergency; Infection Control; Medical Affairs/Staff ; Nursing/Patient Care Services; Security; _All Notifications; Local Boards of Health;