Oropouche virus disease in the Americas

Original publication date: June 17, 2024

Updated: December 22, 2025

Key points

• Oropouche virus disease (OVD) is a disease spread to humans by the bite of an infected small fly called a midge (sometimes called no-see-ums) or possibly some types of mosquitos.
• Most people recover from OVD without long-term problems. However, in rare cases, it can lead to serious illness.
• Pregnant women, pregnant people or those planning to become pregnant should discuss the possible risks of travelling to areas with Oropouche virus with their health care provider.
• There are no vaccines to prevent OVD.
• Travellers to areas with a risk of OVD should prevent mosquito bites at all times. 

Current situation

There are outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease (OVD) happening in the Americas. While this virus has been found in the region before, there are now more cases than usual, and some areas are seeing cases for the first time. Some countries have reported travel-related cases, with most reported in people coming back from Cuba.

This travel health notice is applied to: Cuba, Panama, Peru.

Recommendations

Before you leave

• Talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably about 6 weeks before your departure date, to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.
• Pregnant women, pregnant people or those planning to become pregnant should discuss the possible risks of travelling to areas with Oropouche virus with their health care provider. The health care provider may advise you to avoid nonessential travel to areas experiencing an OVD outbreak. 
  
  • If a pregnant woman or pregnant person has the virus, they can pass it to their baby. This may lead to serious problems like stillbirth, or issues with the baby's head and brain development.
• Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

While you’re away

The best way to prevent OVD when travelling is to protect yourself from biting midges and mosquitos at all times.

• Always use an approved insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin. For best results, read and follow the directions on the label.
• Stay in places that can keep insects out. This includes rooms with closed windows and air conditioning. Biting midges are very small and can get through most window screens.
• Use insecticide-treated mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors (day or night) or in buildings that are not fully enclosed.
• Wear:
  
  • loose, light-coloured clothing made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • long pants and tucked-in long-sleeved shirts
  • closed-toe shoes or boots
  • a hat

Seek medical care if you feel sick and develop symptoms similar to those caused by OVD.

Learn more:

Tips for healthy travel
Personal insect repellents
Insect bite and pest prevention
Oropouche virus disease: Prevention and risks

After your return

• If you develop symptoms of OVD after your return to Canada, consult your health care provider. Tell them where you’ve been travelling. 
• Fever and other symptoms of OVD can be similar to those of many other infections, such as malaria. It's important to let your health care provider know if you’ve travelled to an area where malaria is common.

Learn more:

If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
Malaria transmission and recommended preventive measures by geographical area

About Oropouche virus disease

• Oropouche virus disease (OVD) is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus. It spreads to people through bites from an infected small fly called a midge (sometimes called no-see-ums) or possibly some types of mosquitos. 
  
  • The mosquitoes are most active at night, while the midges are most active during the afternoon.
• There is currently not enough information to know whether Oropouche virus can be spread through sexual contact.
• There are no vaccines to prevent OVD.
• Symptoms usually start 3-8 days after being bitten by an infected midge or mosquito. The most common symptoms include:
  
  • chills
  • sudden fever
  • severe headache
  • muscle and joint pain
• Symptoms usually last up to 7 days. The illness may return again a few days to weeks later. 
• Most people recover from OVD without long-term problems. However, in rare cases, it can lead to serious illness, such as:
  
  • meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain)
  • encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
  • hemorrhage (heavy bleeding)
• There is no specific treatment for OVD. Medical care focuses on managing the symptoms and helping people recover.

Learn more:

Oropouche virus disease

Information for health professionals

Oropouche virus disease: For health professionals
Statement on Personal Protective Measures to Prevent Arthropod Bites - CATMAT