Canada has issued travel advisories for 5 countries due to a bug-transmitted disease

If you’re heading to South America or the Caribbean soon, there’s a new travel risk you should know about: Oropouche fever.

The Government of Canada recently updated a number of travel advisories to include information about Oropouche fever, which has been spreading in countries like Brazil, Bolivia, and Cuba, where it hasn’t been reported previously.

The Government of Canada explained in an advisory updated on Wednesday, September 4, that Oropouche virus disease (OVD) is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus. It’s transmitted to humans through bites from tiny insects like midges and mosquitoes, similar to how other tropical viruses like Zika and dengue spread.

Among the countries that the Government of Canada has updated its travel advisories for are Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Peru. As of Wednesday, the advisory was set at “level 1,” which means recommending health precautions like avoiding insect bites and being up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations.

Among the travel-related cases of OVD recently reported internationally, the majority were related to travel in Cuba.

Symptoms of OVD usually kick in between 3 and 8 days after the bite and can manifest as high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, chills, vomiting, pain behind the eyes, and nausea, which is not exactly the vacation vibe anyone is going for.

In rare cases, it can be more serious, causing severe illnesses such as meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or haemorrhage (excessive bleeding).

While most people recover fully, the fact that there’s no vaccine or specific treatment makes prevention super important. The best way to avoid Oropouche fever is to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes or midges.That means if you’re planning to visit one of the affected areas, you’ll want to be prepared.

The Government of Canada advises packing an approved insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding places with standing water, as mosquitoes love to breed there. Also, remember that midges are tiny enough to get through some window screens, so staying in air-conditioned accommodations is also a smart move.

You can also limit outdoor activities when midges and mosquitoes are most active—usually in the afternoon for midges and at night for mosquitoes. And, if you have to be outside, wear light-coloured, loose clothing made from tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester. Long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, and hats can help minimize skin exposure.

As with any insect-borne virus, pregnant travellers should be especially cautious because the baby may be at risk. The Government of Canada warns that the Oropouche virus “can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their unborn baby, with negative pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and possibly congenital microcephaly (impaired head/ brain development).” Anyone pregnant and travelling should discuss their plans with their healthcare provider.

The government also recommends monitoring your health for a couple of weeks after you return from your trip. If you notice any symptoms, like fever, headaches, or muscle pain, it’s best to head to the doctor and mention your recent travel history. Early diagnosis can help rule out other illnesses and quickly get you the care you might need.

While Oropouche fever isn’t widespread, it’s still worth keeping in mind if you’re heading to the Americas anytime soon. It doesn’t have to ruin your plans, though! With a few precautions, you can still enjoy all the adventures and beach days you’ve been dreaming of.

This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

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