Brazil Oropouche cases top 7,000 in 2025

The Brazil Ministry of Health reports 7,320 confirmed cases of Oropouche virus in the first three months of 2025, according to the latest published numbers.

The state of Espirito Santo still dominates with 5,354 cases, followed by Rio de Janeiro state with 1,016 and Paraíba state with 593 cases.

In all of 2024, Brazil reported 13,791 confirmed cases. In 2023, 832 cases were recorded.

Oropouche is a disease caused by Oropouche virus. It is spread primarily through the bites of infected biting midges (small flies) and mosquitoes. Oropouche virus has been found in semen. It is unknown if Oropouche can be spread through sex.

Symptoms of Oropouche include headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light. Severe cases may result in neuroinvasive disease such as meningitis.

Symptoms typically start 3–10 days after being bitten and last 3–6 days. Most people recover without long-term effects. There is no specific treatment for Oropouche.