The Foreign Office is warning Brits visiting a popular tourist destination to be aware of a virus surging through a South American country.
Home to the spectacular Galapagos Islands to the Amazon rainforest, it is no wonder that Brits flee to Ecuador every year to experience the enchanting country full of natural wonders.
But before visiting the beautiful country, Brits should consult the UK Government’s latest guidance to ensure a safe trip as holidaymakers are being warned that they could face health risks, including Oropouche virus (OROV).
Oropouche virus disease is a febrile disease that is spread primarily through the bite of an insect known as a midge.
Work is ongoing to understand the potential risks of OROV infection during pregnancy.
During 2024, outbreaks have been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and more recently Cuba and Ecuador.
As of 15 October 2024, two cases of Oropouche virus disease have been confirmed in Ecuador. These are the first locally acquired cases reported in the country.
This year 10,275 cases of Oropouche virus have been reported from nine countries in the Americas.
As a result the The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is advising Brits heading to Ecuador to see what health risks they may face, including the Oropouche virus.
Oropouche virus symptoms:
Symptoms of Oropouche virus disease begin four to eight days after an infective bite. Onset is sudden, usually with a fever, chills, headache, joint pain and muscle aches. Symptoms typically last for up to seven days and can often reoccur a few days or even weeks later.
Some people may develop more severe disease however, including meningitis or encephalitis.
Oropouche virus preventions:
There are no specific medications or vaccines to prevent the virus, but the risk of infection can be minimised by following bite avoidance measures when visiting areas with the infection. Treatment for Oropouche virus disease is supportive (to manage the symptoms).
The FCDO also advises travellers to check the latest vaccine recommendations for Ecuador via TravelHealthPro at least eight weeks before their trip.
At the same time, they should check where to get vaccines and whether they have to pay. This information is available on the NHS travel vaccinations page.
Altitude sickness remains a risk in parts of Ecuador. Holidaymakers can read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
The FCDO also provided further health information on medication, healthcare in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, and travel and mental health.
The emergency medical number in Ecuador is 911 and holidaymakers should ask for an ambulance.