Canada posts new travel advice amid spread of bug-transmitted virus in the Americas

Canada is advising travellers to be aware of viral Oropouche outbreaks in the Americas, where cases are higher than expected and as some countries report their first-ever cases.

Oropouche virus disease (OVD) is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus, which is spread to humans through the bite of an infected small fly called a midge or possibly mosquitos. It's also known as sloth fever. 

While this has been detected in the Americas before, the number of cases are “higher than expected,” reads Canada’s latest health notice, which was posted Sept. 3.

In addition, infections are being reported in parts of Brazil, Bolivia, and in Cuba where they haven’t been before.

“There have been several travel-related cases of OVD reported internationally, the majority of which were in travellers returning from Cuba,” Ottawa says.

Bugs bite

While details about the full impact of Oropouche are slim, there are concerns the virus can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their unborn baby, with negative pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and possibly congenital microcephaly, the government says.

Ottawa is advising pregnant people travelling to affected destinations to follow bug bite prevention methods and discuss the risks of their travel plans with their health care provider.

The mosquitoes are most active during the night, while midges are most active during the afternoon.

There are no vaccines to prevent OVD. The symptoms are said to start three to eight days after the bite of an infected insects. Extreme symptoms most commonly include fever, severe headache, chills, muscle pain and joint pain.

Ottawa notes that in rare cases, OVD can cause severe illness, such as meningitis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or hemorrhage (excessive bleeding).

Fumigation in Havana

More than 500 cases of the virus have been registered in Cuba since May when the disease was first detected in far-eastern Cuba, health officials said last week.

Local officials began fumigation efforts in Havana last Friday, Reuters reported, but those efforts have been thwarted by fuel shortages.

The shortages have led to an overall advisory to travellers with Cuban destinations: “Exercise a high degree of caution,” officials warn.

It’s the second risk level issued by Canada on a scale of four tiers. Above it are “Avoid non-essential travel” and “Avoid all travel.” Resort areas remain at a level one: “Take normal security precautions.”

Travel tips

The Canadian government is encouraging travellers to review its Travel Advice and Advisories page before travelling to a destination.  

As for ways to protect yourself from bites while travelling, Ottawa is advising to use an approved insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin, stick to living areas that have well screened windows and doors and to consider limiting outdoor activities when the midges and mosquitos are most active.

The government also advises to cover up with light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester, wear long pants and tucked-in long-sleeved shirts with closed-toe shoes or boots and a hat, and to use mosquito netting when sleeping (day or night) outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed.

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