The Pan American Well being Group (PAHO) has reported a resurgence of Oropouche fever within the Caribbean, with confirmed circumstances in Guyana and Cuba, because the viral illness continues to unfold throughout the Americas. As of July 27, 2025, PAHO recorded 12,786 confirmed circumstances in 11 nations, together with seven with native transmission and 4 with imported circumstances.
Within the Caribbean, Cuba has reported 28 circumstances, whereas Guyana has recorded one case. Each nations are experiencing the consequences of a virus primarily transmitted by the Culicoides paraensis midge. Though the variety of circumstances in these islands is decrease than in South American nations, well being officers are urging vigilance as a result of virus’s skill to unfold quickly in city and semi-urban areas.
Brazil continues to bear the heaviest burden, with 11,888 circumstances throughout 20 states, together with Espírito Santo (6,322 circumstances) and Rio de Janeiro (2,497). The nation has reported 5 deaths, alongside circumstances of neurological issues and fetal deaths which are below investigation. Panama (501 circumstances) and Peru (330) have additionally skilled important outbreaks, whereas Colombia (26) and Venezuela (5) reported fewer circumstances. Imported infections have been documented in Uruguay (3), Chile (2), Canada (1), and the US (1).
Oropouche fever sometimes presents with excessive fever, extreme complications, and muscle and joint ache. Most sufferers get better inside two to 3 weeks, though as much as 60% might expertise relapses. In uncommon circumstances, the an infection could cause meningitis or encephalitis, and pregnant girls might face fetal dangers.
PAHO emphasizes the pressing want for stronger epidemiological surveillance, vector management, and regional cooperation. Really useful measures embrace eliminating midge breeding websites, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, utilizing protecting clothes and repellents, and strengthening early scientific prognosis — particularly to distinguish Oropouche fever from dengue and different arboviruses.
The group can be urging nationwide authorities to report uncommon occasions, together with deaths or circumstances of vertical transmission, and is offering technical steering on prognosis, scientific administration, and vector management. With local weather change, urbanization, and deforestation rising midge populations, PAHO warns that proactive measures are crucial to stop additional unfold within the Caribbean and past.
