Oropouche virus (OROV)

Date: September 2024, Version 1.0

Quick read

It is not clear whether catching Oropouche virus (OROV) during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby. As a precaution, pregnant women who need to travel to affected areas should take strict measures to avoid insect bites.

What is it?

OROV is a viral infection which is common in some South and Central American countries and is spread by midge and mosquito bites. OROV can cause fever (high temperature), headache, shivering, muscle and joint pains, dizziness, eye pain, feeling sick, vomiting, and a rash. It is unclear whether OROV caught in pregnancy can harm the unborn baby.

What is the treatment for OROV?

There is no vaccine to prevent OROV and no specific treatment. Pregnant women who think they have OROV should speak to their doctor. Paracetamol, as well as rest and plenty of fluids, can be used to help with mild symptoms, but in some cases hospital treatment might be needed.

How might OROV affect an unborn baby?

OROV is related to other viruses which can affect the baby’s development. There are a handful of reports of babies being born with smaller brains and heads (‘microcephaly’) after their mothers caught OROV in pregnancy. There are also some reports of pregnancy loss. It is not yet possible to prove that these problems were caused by OROV. It is also unclear what the long-term effects might be. Microcephaly can be linked to lifelong learning and behavioural problems. As a precaution, OROV infection should be avoided in pregnancy.

How can I avoid catching OROV during pregnancy?

Pregnant women can avoid OROV by:

• Considering not travelling to areas where there are outbreaks of OROV.
• Taking strict measures to avoid midge and mosquito bites, including:
• Using the insect repellent DEET on the skin. Other types of insect repellent are less effective and should not be used.
• Staying inside at dusk and dawn.
• Covering up exposed skin as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
• Sleeping with insect nets over the bed.
• Applying an insecticide such as permethrin to clothing and bed nets.
• Using insect screens on doors and windows.

All of these measures should be used together to minimise the risk of OROV.

For more information on avoiding mosquito bites, and use of insect repellents in pregnancy, please see the bump leaflets on malaria prophylaxis and insect repellents.

Where can I find more information about OROV and pregnancy?

It is expected that the information about OROV and pregnancy will be updated as more reports are gathered. You can check the latest information, including about areas with OROV outbreaks, on the Travel Health Pro website.

Who can I talk to if I have questions?

If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information on insect repellents from www.uktis.org.

How can I help to improve drug safety information for pregnant women in the future?

Our online reporting system (MyBump Portal) allows women who are currently pregnant to create a secure record of their pregnancy, collected through a series of questionnaires. You will be asked to enter information about your health, whether or not you take any medicines, your pregnancy outcome and your child's development. You can update your details at any time during pregnancy or afterwards. This information will help us better understand how medicines affect the health of pregnant women and their babies. Please visit the MyBump Portal to register.

General information
Sadly, miscarriage and birth defects can occur in any pregnancy.

Miscarriage occurs in about 1 in every 5 pregnancies, and 1 in every 40 babies are born with a birth defect. This is called the ‘background risk’ and happens whether medication is taken or not.

Most medicines cross the placenta and reach the baby. For many medications this is not a problem. However, some medicines can affect a baby’s growth and development.

If you take regular medication and are planning to conceive, you should discuss whether your medicine is safe to continue with your doctor/health care team before becoming pregnant. If you have an unplanned pregnancy while taking a medicine, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible.

If a new medicine is suggested for you during pregnancy, please make sure that the person prescribing it knows that you are pregnant. If you have any concerns about a medicine, you can check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist.

Our Bumps information leaflets provide information about the effects of medicines in pregnancy so that you can decide, together with your healthcare provider, what is best for you and your baby.