Oropouche in Cuba

Level 4 - Avoid All Travel
Level 3 - Reconsider Nonessential Travel
Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions
Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions
Areas of Cuba with reported cases of Oropouche
Map: Areas in Cuba with reported cases of Oropouche (see larger map)
What is Oropouche?

Oropouche is a disease caused by Oropouche virus. It is spread through the bites of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes.

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.

Key points

  • There is an outbreak of Oropouche in Cuba (see map).
  • Multiple cases of Oropouche have recently been reported in U.S. and European travelers returning from travel to Cuba indicating there is ongoing risk.
  • Oropouche is spread by the bite of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes.
  • All travelers to Cuba should take steps to prevent bug bites during travel to protect themselves from infection.
  • Pregnant people should reconsider non-essential travel to Cuba. If travel is unavoidable, these travelers should strictly follow Oropouche prevention recommendations.
  • Illness can occur in people of any age and is often mistaken for dengue.

Current Situation

  • On August 1, 2024, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert about Oropouche cases, including deaths, in the Americas. There were also concerns about an increase of possible cases of Oropouche virus being passed from a pregnant person to their fetus with negative pregnancy outcomes. These cases are under investigation. CDC is working with PAHO and other international partners to learn more about the potential risks of Oropouche during pregnancy.

What Travelers Can Do to Protect Themselves and Others

  • All travelers to Cuba should take steps to prevent bug bites during travel to protect themselves from infection. They should also prevent bug bites for 3 weeks after travel to avoid possibly spreading the virus to others in the U.S.
  • Travelers who develop high fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light during or within 2 weeks after travel should:
    • Seek medical care immediately and tell their healthcare provider when and where they traveled. Learn how to seek medical care during travel.
    • Not take aspirin or other NSAIDS (e.g., ibuprofen) to reduce the risk of bleeding.
    • Continue to prevent bug bites during the first week of illness to avoid further spread in areas where mosquitoes or biting midges are active.

For Clinicians

  • Healthcare providers should inform people who are pregnant and considering travel to areas with reported Oropouche virus transmission of the possible risks to the fetus. If a person who is pregnant decides to travel, counsel them to prevent bug bites.

Traveler Information

Clinician Information