Oropouche virus

• is spread primarily by the bite of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes (Culex quinquefasciatus).
  
• has been found in semen, but it is unknown if it can be spread through sex. No cases of sexual transmission of Oropouche virus have yet been reported.
  
• transmission to the unborn child has been reported. The extent of possible malformations or death in the unborn baby in the context of an OROV outbreak situation is currently still unclear and is being investigated.
  
• Illness can occur in people of any age and is often mistaken for dengue.
  
• There is no vaccine and not specific treatment available

Prevention: The best way to protect yourself from Oropouche is to prevent insect bites 24/7 (also against other mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya), see factsheet.

Pregnant women and women planning to be pregnant should be provided with comprehensive information during pre-travel consultation on the Oropouche virus outbreaks and the potential of miscarriage, fetal malformation or death.

In the event of increased OROV transmission (= declared as an OROV outbreak according CDC Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Oropouche), the Swiss Expert Commission for Travel Medicine recommends:

• Pregnant women should re-consider non-essential travel
  
• If travel is unavoidable, strictly adhere to insect prevention measures (see LINK) and talk to your health care provider.
  
• To avoid sexual transmission: males should consider using condoms during travel and up to 2 months after return.