Cases of Oropouche virus disease have broken out in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Cuba - and Brits heading out of the European Union to South America have been warned Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters British holidaymakers are being alerted to a new "active outbreak" of a virus transmitted by midge and mosquito bites with symptoms including fever, chills, and headaches. In 2024, there have been outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba, prompting warnings for UK travellers venturing beyond the European Union to South America. The UK Foreign Office warned: "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." Furthermore, the FCDO recommends: "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." Travellers are also advised to be aware of the health risks in Bolivia, which include the Oropouche virus disease.
The Lancet has reported there were 8,078 confirmed cases of Oropouche fever acros.