British tourists have been cautioned about a new “active outbreak” of a virus transmitted by bite-causing midges and mosquitos. British holidaymakers have been warned about the condition, which causes fever, chills, and headaches.
British Tourists Warned of Oropouche Virus Outbreak
This year, the Oropouche virus has been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba. Brits travelling from the EU to South America have been warned about the outbreak, according to Birmingham Live.
The UK Foreign Office cautioned: “Before you travel check that your destination can provide the healthcare you may need and you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation. This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.”
The FCDO recommended: “At least eight weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccination recommendations for Bolivia and see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page.
“See what health risks you’ll face in Bolivia, including Oropouche virus disease.” As of August 1, 2024, The Lancet reported 8,078 confirmed cases of Oropouche fever across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
Travel Health Expert Warns British Tourists About Oropouche Virus Risks
Dr Richard Dawood, medical director and specialist in travel medicine at Fleet Street Clinic, told The Independent: “Oropouche tends to get diagnosed in people who get the more severe manifestations. The advice that is going out to countries where travellers are returning with cases tends to be if you test for dengue or Zika and, if it is neither of those, then test for Oropouche and it may well be that.”
Dr Dawood said: “You are most at risk when you are travelling to an area with an active outbreak. At the moment that’s much of South America. In terms of what travellers can do to prevent it, general insect precautions apply – permethrin repellant and light long clothing will protect the covered up areas as midges cannot bite through them.”
The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) stated: “If you are planning to visit countries reporting arboviral infections, including OROV, get travel health advice from your GP, practice nurse or a travel clinic, ideally at least four to six weeks before you travel.”