Oropouche Fever in South America

Level 4 - Avoid All Travel
Level 3 - Reconsider Nonessential Travel
Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions
Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions
Areas of Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru with outbreak of Oropouche fever
Map: Areas of Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru with outbreaks of Oropouche fever (see larger map)
What is Oropouche fever?

Oropouche fever is a disease caused by Oropouche virus. It is spread through the bites of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes.

Symptoms of Oropouche fever are similar to dengue and include headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light. Severe cases may result in meningitis.

Symptoms typically start 4–8 days after being bitten and last 3–6 days. Most people recover without long-term effects. Treatment is supportive; no specific medications or vaccines are available.

Key points

  • There are outbreaks of Oropouche fever in parts of Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru (see map).
  • Oropouche fever is spread by the bite of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes.
  • Illness can occur in people of any age and is often mistaken for dengue.
  • Travelers to affected areas should take steps to avoid bug bites.
  • Travelers should seek medical care if they develop high fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light during or after travel.

Traveler Information