Emergence of Oropouche virus among international travelers: A growing concern in non-endemic areas Aparición del virus Oropouche entre viajeros internacionales: una preocupación creciente en zonas no endémicas

Abstract

Introduction Oropouche fever is an emerging disease caused by an arthropod-borne virus, Oropouche virus. This virus is mainly circulating in Central and South America. In 2024 they have been reported an ongoing outbreak. Methods For this study, travelers returning from endemic areas with dengue-like symptoms and negative results for dengue from March to October 2024, were tested for Oropouche through RT-PCR. Results Among 43 patients tested, we detected an imported case of Oropouche fever imported from Cuba in a traveler presenting biphasic fever and neurological symptoms. The virus was detected by RT-PCR in urine samples collected more than one month after the onset of symptoms, suggesting prolonged viral shedding and expanding the diagnostic period for molecular confirmation of the infection. Conclusion Although only few cases have been yet reported in European travelers, the expansion of the virus in the Americas supports laboratory preparedness and clinical awareness.