12 Jun 2024 | 01:31 PM UTC
Cuba: Elevated Oropouche fever activity reported in multiple areas, especially Santiago de Cuba province, in June
Elevated Oropouche fever activity reported in multiple areas in Cuba, especially Santiago de Cuba, in June. Avoid mosquito and midge bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated Oropouche fever activity in multiple areas in Cuba, with 74 confirmed cases reported Jan. 1-May 27. These are the first Oropouche fever cases recorded in Cuba. Areas reporting disease activity include the Santiago de Cuba province’s Santiago de Cuba (29 cases) and Songo La Maya (25 cases) municipalities, and the Cienfuegos province’s Cienfuegos (8 cases), Rodas (5 cases), Abreu (5 cases), Aguada de Pasajeros (1 case), and Cumanayagua (1 case) municipalities. Local health authorities are implementing public health measures, including strengthening human resources for medical care in affected areas. reinforcing vector control actions, increasing epidemiological surveillance, and intensifying environmental sanitation actions. This report represents the most complete data available as of June 12.
Avoid mosquito and midge bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. As weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks, or use insect protection containing DEET, picaridin, or another approved repellent.
Oropouche fever is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV) and is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes or midges (small flies). Symptoms typically appear 4 to 8 days after being bitten but can develop up to 12 days after. Symptoms include headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, chills, nausea, and vomiting. More severe cases may result in meningitis.
