Oropouche Virus Cases Surge in Latin America, Study Reveals Widespread Prevalence

New research finds at least 1 in 16 people in the region have been exposed, with cases exceeding 20,000 annually since late 2023.

An international study detected Oropouche virus antibodies in 6.3% of over 9,400 blood samples collected across Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru from 2001 to 2022.
Significant regional disparities were noted, with antibody prevalence ranging from 2% in Costa Rica to over 10% in Amazonian regions.
Reported annual infections in Latin America have surged to over 20,000 since late 2023, possibly influenced by climatic factors like increased rainfall and temperature changes.
Symptoms of Oropouche fever resemble Dengue and Chikungunya, including headaches, joint pain, nausea, and in rare cases, potential harm to unborn children.
Health authorities advise travelers, especially pregnant women, to take precautions against mosquito bites, as no specific treatment or vaccine currently exists.