Health authorities in the country confirm the detection of five cases of the Oropouche Virus

Published at: 26/03/2025 01:19 PM

The country's health authorities, thanks to active epidemiological surveillance measures in our territory, detected the first five cases of the Oropouche Virus in Venezuela.

According to a statement released by the Minister of Health, Magaly Gutierrez, on her Telegram channel, she indicated that thanks to the timely detection of these cases, a quick and effective response was provided for the care and recovery of patients, as well as containing the spread of the virus in the area of influence.

In addition, the above-mentioned text reiterated the call for the active participation of the population in the prevention and control of this virus.

Below is the full statement:

The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, through the Ministry of Popular Power for Health (MPPS), reports that, as a result of active and sustained epidemiological surveillance for the detection of the Oropouche Virus since 2023, the year in which the presence of cases was confirmed in the Region of the Americas, the first positive cases of this virus were identified in the country in March 2025.

The Oropouche virus (OROV) is an arbovirus that is mainly transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes of the genus Culicoides, commonly known as gnats, and, to a lesser extent, by mosquitoes of the genus Culex, which live naturally in several regions of Latin America, where recurrent outbreaks have been reported.

Thanks to the active epidemiological surveillance carried out by the MPPS, since the first notification of cases of Oropouche Fever in the Americas in 2023, the first 5 cases were detected in a timely manner in Venezuelan territory in March 2025. This allowed for a quick and effective response for the timely care and recovery of patients, as well as containing the spread of the virus in the area of influence.

The National Public Health System (SPNS) continues to carry out ongoing investigations at ports, airports and border crossings, as well as the timely follow-up of patients with febrile symptoms (for 1 to 3 days) across the country, to ensure the immediate detection of suspected cases of Oropouche. This will allow the transmission of the virus to be blocked early.

Our country has the medical, technological, scientific capacity and the interinstitutional immediate response teams to guarantee the diagnosis, medical care of patients and the required follow-up and monitoring.

Vector control brigades have also been deployed across the country, dedicated to the elimination of breeding sites, fumigation and the use of biocontrollers to reduce the density of mosquito vectors.

These brigades work together with communal circuits, promoting awareness-raising campaigns to inform the population about preventive measures, such as the elimination of breeding sites, the use of mosquito nets, repellents and clothing that covers arms and legs, thus ensuring the sustainability of prevention and control actions.

The National Government, through the Ministry of People's Power for Health, reiterates its commitment to the health and well-being of the Venezuelan population. The actions implemented to date have made it possible to effectively detect and control cases of Oropouche Fever in the country.

The active participation of the population in prevention and control activities is essential, following health recommendations and staying informed through official channels, reporting any symptoms compatible with the disease (fever, headache, muscle pain, among others) to the health centers closest to their home.

Caracas, March 26, 2025

Mazo News Team