Oropouche fever cases top 10,000 in Brazil

The Brazil Ministry of Health reports 10,076 confirmed Oropouche fever cases from the beginning of the year through May 13. In all of 2024, Brazil saw 13,853 cases.

The state of Espirito Santo leads all Brazilian states with 6,123 cases, followed by Rio de Janeiro (1900), Minas Gerais (682), Paraíba (640) and Ceará (573).

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.