An Emerging Caribbean Health Concern: Oropouche Virus

What are Biting Midges? What is Oropouche Virus?

While mosquitoes receive most of the attention, another tiny biting insect has recently been linked to a growing public health concern throughout parts of the Caribbean and South America. Biting midges, often called “no-see-ums”, have been known to transmit viruses in these regions, same as mosquitoes. Common throughout tropical and subtropical regions, biting midges exhibit a lot of similarities to other vector-carrying insects. They are frequently active during dawn, dusk and evening hours. Biting midges also use some of the same types of mechanisms as mosquitoes to find human hosts. Combining several sensory cues, biting midges locate suitable hosts by detecting carbon dioxide from breathing, body odors, heat signatures, and even moisture. Once these miniscule pests locate a suitable host, biting midges have the potential to transmit viral diseases.⁴

An emerging viral disease spread throughout the Caribbean and the America’s is the Oropouche virus. Primarily, this virus is transmitted through bites of infected biting midges, though some mosquito species may also be capable of transmitting the virus.¹ Since December of 2023, increasing number of cases were reported, totally over 10,000 cases in 2024.³ The recent increase in cases has drawn attention from public health authorities because cases are now being reported in areas where the virus was previously uncommon, and 2 fatal cases with confirmed infection were reported.³ As Oropouche is an emerging disease worth being aware of, health authorities want to educate the public about this potential virus and the growing concern regarding severe complications from contracting it.

Rising Cases, Symptoms, and How to Prevent Infection

As Oropouche virus continues to spread into new regions, understanding the current risks and prevention strategies becomes increasingly important. Of the 10,000 cases reported during 2024, countries that reported these cases included Brazil, Bolivia, Columbia, Cuba, Guyana, Peru, and the Dominican Republic.³ Travel-associated cases have been reported in the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, and Germany.³ The CDC classifies Oropouche as an emerging virus in the Americas¹, but has not sounded the warning yet for an epidemic of cases, and as such wish to keep the public informed of the potential risks associated with viral transmission.

Symptoms of Oropouche viral disease are similar to those that occur in other diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya, causing the infection of often times be misdiagnosed.³ Common symptoms include:

Sudden onset of fever
Severe headache
Chills
Muscle aches
Joint pain

Symptoms typically last less than a week (2-7 days) and can often reoccur a few days or even weeks later.² While there are no medicines to treat Oropouche, the most alarming reports of infection involve the association of fetal death or possible birth defects in infection during pregnancy.¹ As these findings continue to be studied, public health authorities have highlighted them as areas of concern, and urge that proper prevention measures should be taken against possible infection from biting midges.

Key measures of prevention against biting midges include protective clothing (including loose fitting long sleeves and long pants), fine mesh screens and bed nets, avoidance of insect-prone areas when possible, and consistent insect repellent use. The WHO notes that standard bed nets are less effective against biting midges as these insects are so small and can pass through most netting. Additionally, they suggest that proper insect repellents should be used as the main source of protection against no-see-ums.³

While the exact pathways for how insect repellents work against biting midges is not well known, repellents have shown to be effective in protecting users from these small pests. Common insect repellents are thought to help reduce bites from biting midges by interfering with the midge’s ability to recognize and locate a host, reducing landing and feeding behavior.⁴ Basically, insect repellents make it harder for no-see-ums to recognize human scents, making potential hosts “invisible” to biting midges. This makes insect repellents the optimal solution for preventing bites from biting midges.

Why IMPEDE Is the Ideal Choice for Biting Midge Protection

Because Oropouche prevention depends primarily on avoiding bites, long-lasting insect repellents play a critical role in personal protection. But not all insect repellents are formulated the same. IMPEDE is the practical solution for no-see-um protection. Specifically designed for use in the Caribbean, IMPEDE has proven effectiveness against a wide range of biting insects, including biting midges. Using the active ingredient IR3535®, IMPEDE is DEET-free and safe for use for pregnant women, infants & children, those with sensitive skin, and for frequent daily use. The lotion-based formula uses the patented technology of STAYTEC™ to ensure the active ingredient remains on the skin longer, providing up to 14 hours of protection. IMPEDE reduces the need for repeated application through using the controlled-release technology of STAYTEC™.

IMPEDE is an insect repellent made for the Caribbean lifestyle. The lotion-based formula is sweat- and water-resistant, making it ideal for beach days, outdoor dining, hiking, boating, and evening activities. The long-lasting protection of IMPEDE is readily available throughout the Caribbean, sold directly from local retailers in a number of Caribbean countries. Travel throughout the Caribbean is made safer with the peace of mind offered through using IMPEDE for insect protection.

As Oropouche virus continues to emerge across parts of the Caribbean and South America, preventing biting midge bites remains one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. With long-lasting and effective protection, IMPEDE helps travelers and residents stay protected against disease-spreading insects. So choose IMPEDE: tough on bugs, gentle on you.

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