Health officials in Florida announced on Tuesday that the total number of Oropouche fever cases has reached 70 in 2024, all connected to recent trips to Cuba. These international Oropouche fever cases were identified in individuals who had visited Cuba within two weeks before developing symptoms, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
From September 8 to 14, 2024, 22 new cases of Oropouche were reported, all linked to travelers returning from the Caribbean nation. The health department issued a Level 2 travel alert for Cuba due to the risk of contracting the disease.
Counties Affected by the Outbreak
Miami-Dade County reported the highest number of infections with 41 cases, followed by Hillsborough with 11, Lee with 4, Broward with 3, Orange and Palm Beach each with 2, and an additional 2 cases each in Pasco and Polk. Other counties with reported infections include Duval, Sarasota, and St. Lucie.
Broader Health Concerns
Health authorities are also monitoring other arboviruses, such as the West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), alongside this Oropouche outbreak.
Oropouche, a virus that has impacted thousands in South American countries, began spreading in Cuba last year and is now present across the island. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and, in some cases, skin rashes.
Impact Beyond Florida
While no local transmission has been reported in Florida, the high rate of infections tied to travel from Cuba has raised alarms in the state. The virus has also spread to Europe, with confirmed cases in Italy, Spain, and other countries.
The Florida Department of Health urges citizens to take precautions, particularly those planning to travel to endemic areas, and to protect themselves from mosquito and sandfly bites.
Cuban authorities claim they lack the resources to implement fumigation campaigns to alleviate the health crisis caused by the simultaneous circulation of dengue and Oropouche.