Travelers warned of ‘other zika’ that can cause brain swelling, vomiting and abortion – has already come to the US

Planning a sunny departure? You may want to pack a mosquito mesh.

Health experts are warning of a developing threat by waves at well -known holiday destinations, as cases of oropouche virus have been reported in the US and Canadian travelers return from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Peru.

While many of the tropical disease remains unknown, the last much of infections have raised questions if the next Zika virus can become. Here’s all you need to know about this possible headache.

What is the oropouche virus?

The oropouche virus is mainly spread through the bites of small flies called midges, as well as certain species of mosquitoes.

It is commonly called “laziness” because the virus was first identified in slow -moving mammal, for which researchers believe a key role in its spread.

Since its discovery in 1955, there have been about 500,000 cases of the Oropouche virus, mainly around the Amazon basin. However, starting in the late 2023, the virus has begun to appear in new areas of South America and the Caribbean, where he had not seen before, raising concerns about his expanding extension.

Since March 11, the CDC has identified 109 cases of sluggish fever imported to US travelers from seven countries, including a case in New York. Most diseases have been reported in Florida, with 103 cases so far in 2024 and the first three months of 2025.

Symptoms to see to

If you are bitten by a mosquito or midge that holds the oropouche virus, symptoms can occur somewhere from 3 to 10 days later, according to CDC.

The most common symptoms include a sudden fever and severe headaches, often resonating with other tropical diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika or Malaria. Extra symptoms can include chills, muscle pain, joint pain, light sensitivity, dizziness, eye pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash.

In most cases, symptoms last less than a week, with most people who fully recover within a month. However, the CDC notes that some individuals may suffer a recurrence of symptoms, whether days or even a few weeks later.

In rare cases, the oropouche virus can cause severe conditions, such as excessive bleeding, swelling of the brain or Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can lead to muscle weakness, numbness and paralysis.

While deaths are rare, there have been some cases when the virus has proven fatal.

Risk

The oropouche virus does not only present a threat to adults and children – it can also be transmitted by a pregnant person in their unborn fetus, with potentially devastating consequences.

Infection during pregnancy has been associated with congenital births, abortions and other serious risks to the fetus, such as low birth weight, skull collapse, club foot and microcephaly, a condition where brain development is significantly damaged.

Given these risks, the CDC is advising pregnant women to reconsider any non -essential trips to the area where the Oropouche outbreaks have been recently reported.

How is the fever treated?

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent or specific medicines to treat the oropouche virus.

To manage the symptoms, the CDC recommends to rest completely, stay hydrated and get over-counter pain relief. But do not reach aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can increase the risk of excessive bleeding.

For those with more severe symptoms, additional medical care or even hospitalization may be required to ensure proper treatment and healing.

How to protect yourself from the Oropouche virus?

To give up the Oropouche virus, your best bet is to minimize exposure to mosquito and midge bites.

CDC recommends wearing long -sleeved shirts and pants when traveling to regions where the virus is circulating.

Make sure your accommodations are unclear using window screens and doors, or put a fan outside to keep pests in the breast. And of course, don’t forget to bring together with insect opposition.

A recent study also found traces of the oropouche virus in the sperm of an individual infected for the first time. While no cases of sexual transmission have been reported, the CDC suggests that travelers worry about contracting or passing the virus through sex to consider using conditions or abstaining during and for six weeks after returning home.

Can Sloth’s fever start to spread to the US?

While cases of Oropouche have been reported to US travelers, the risk of broad broadcasting on the US continent remains low.

The CDC notes that the US has a different climate and mosquitoes and Mides distinct species compared to those in regions where the virus is common. Moreover, factors like air conditioning make the virus less likely to take root.

However, the agency warns that infections can still appear in certain areas.