Florida reports 9 additional Oropouche fever cases linked to travel, Brings total to 11
In a follow-up on the recently reported travel-associated Oropouche fever cases in Florida, the Department of Health reported nine additional cases in the past week, bringing the total reported in the state to 11.
For the year to date, the eleven cases have been reported from Hillsborough (4), Lee (2), Miami-Dade, Orange (2), and Polk (2) counties. All eleven cases are linked to travel with Cuba.
Through July 20, 8,078 confirmed Oropouche cases, including two deaths reported in the Region of the Americas, with the majority reported from Brazil.
Oropouche virus (OROV) is an arbovirus and member of the Peribunyaviridae family. It was first detected in 1955 near the Oropouche River in Trinidad.
Oropouche is a vector-borne disease transmitted among people primarily through bites of an insect commonly known as a midge (Culicoides paraensis). The mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus can also be involved in transmission.
Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff joints, aches and pains and, in some cases photophobia, diplopia (double vision), nausea and persistent vomiting. Symptoms can last from five to seven days.
Rarely, severe cases can include aseptic meningitis. Full recovery can take several weeks. Rarely deaths have been reported.
There are currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Oropouche. In addition to rest and fluids, treatment for symptoms can include painkillers and fever-reducing medications. Â
Recommended measures to prevent transmission through midge and mosquito bites include protecting homes with fine mesh mosquito nets on doors and windows, as well as beds and furniture where people rest; wearing clothing that covers legs and arms; applying repellents containing DEET, IR3535 or icaridin. As midges are much smaller than mosquitoes, traditional mosquito nets will not protect against their bites.