The Ministry of Health and Wellness Barbados has confirmed two adult cases of the Oropouche virus disease (OROV).
The Ministry advised the public to adopt protective measures against mosquito and insect bites to prevent contracting OROV, like using insect screens and repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants and eliminating areas of stagnant water around properties to prevent mosquito breeding.
Oropouche virus disease is caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV) that can cause fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, chills, nausea, vomiting and rash. Most people recover on their own, but the disease can cause severe symptoms in some patients.
The virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected insect like biting midges and mosquitoes. Cases of OROV disease were limited to South America, mostly near the Amazon rainforest.
However, since December 2023, cases have been detected in other areas and have become more severe. In 2024, outbreaks have been documented in non-endemic areas, two fatal cases with confirmed infection, and the possibility of mothers transmitting the disease to their babies while pregnant.
