Oropouche and Dengue Updates
If you are traveling internationally this Spring Break, take care to avoid diseases carried by insects. Before you travel, it is important to remember to prevent bug bites and, in some cases, re-consider traveling.
Oropouche is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus. It is spread through the bites of infected biting midges (small flies) and mosquitoes. People who get infected with Oropouche virus may have symptoms like headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light. Some people may develop severe disease that can include meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Oropouche in parts of Brazil and Panama. The state of Espírito Santo in Brazil is north of Rio de Janeiro and the Darién Province in Panama is south of Panama City and borders Colombia. All travelers to these affected areas should take steps to prevent bug bites during travel. Pregnant people should avoid travel to these areas and if travel is unavoidable, should strictly follow Oropouche prevention recommendations. There is also a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Oropouche in many other countries in the Americas and travelers should practice usual precautions to prevent bug bites.
Additionally, because sexual transmission of the virus from an infected man to their partner is possible, travelers should consider using condoms or not having sex during travel and for six weeks after returning.
Dengue is another disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of dengue may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding. Dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization. Dengue infection levels remain high in some United States territories (such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and many other countries globally. There is a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for dengue around the globe. Travelers should prevent mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens.
If you return from travel and are experiencing symptoms like those described above, contact your healthcare provider and tell them about your recent travel.
Get more information on up-to-date travel advisories from the U.S. State Department.