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Deze informatie in het Nederlands

What are the symptoms of oropouche fever?

The symptoms of oropouche fever are similar to those of other diseases that can be transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue, chikungunya or Zika fever. People with oropouche fever could have symptoms such as:

• sudden fever
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• muscle pain
• joint pain
• skin rash 

Sometimes the disease causes more serious symptoms, such as encephalitis or meningitis. 

Is it dangerous to get oropouche fever during pregnancy?

There are indications that an infection with the oropouche virus during pregnancy could potentially increase the risk of a miscarriage or stillbirth, or birth defects in the unborn child. This is still being researched. 

How does oropouche fever spread?

Humans can contract the oropouche virus from the bite of an infected midge that is very common in South America and Central America. These biting midges are not found in Europe. There are indications that some species of mosquitoes may also be able to transmit the virus, but these mosquitoes are also not found in Europe. The biting midges are most active around sunrise and sunset.

The symptoms of oropouche fever begin to show 3 to 10 days after a bite from an infected midge or mosquito. People cannot infect each other with the disease. However, it is likely that the virus can be transmitted from parent to unborn child during pregnancy. The virus has also been found in sperm. However, it is unknown whether it can also be transmitted through sexual contact.

How can I prevent oropouche fever?

The best way to protect yourself against oropouche fever is to make sure that you are not bitten by a midge or mosquito in regions where the oropouche virus is common:

• Wear clothes that cover your skin (long sleeves, long trousers, socks, closed shoes and a cap or hat).
• Use insect repellents that contain DEET or icaridin, and apply them according to the instructions on the packaging. Please note that icaridin is not suitable for use during pregnancy or for children under 13 years.
• Sleep under a mosquito net treated with insect repellent, with a mesh fine enough to keep out biting midges as well (‘midge-proof’). 
• Consult the National Coordination Centre for Travellers Advice (LCR) website for travel advisories for each country. 

Is there any treatment for oropouche fever?

There is no treatment for oropouche fever. In most people, it is a mild illness that goes away on its own within 7 days. In some people, recovery can take weeks. 

How common is oropouche fever?

In summer 2024, the first cases of oropouche fever in Europe were reported. These people contracted the virus outside Europe. 33 people were affected, including 1 from the Netherlands. 32 of them had visited Cuba, and 1 had been to Brazil. 

Over 16,000 cases of oropouche fever were reported worldwide in 2024. 4 people died of the disease. Most of the people who contracted oropouche fever were in Brazil. Other countries where the disease occurred included Cuba, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Ecuador, Guyana and Barbados.