Oropouche Outbreak in Havana Confirmed in 189 Tested Cases

Researchers analyzed febrile surveillance data from Havana Province, Cuba, for June 1–September 7, 2024. The investigation covered a population of about 2.12 million. A suspected case required fever, headache and at least one additional symptom, negative dengue IgM testing, and relevant exposure; confirmation required Oropouche virus RNA by PCR. Of 21,744 suspected cases identified, 549 samples were tested, and 189 (34.4%) were positive. The first confirmed case was identified on June 19, and weekly cases peaked at 39 during July 7–13. Overall incidence was 8.9 per 100,000 population.

Cases occurred in 13 of 15 municipalities with available testing data. Incidence was highest among adults aged 27–59 years (10.2 per 100,000) and was higher among females than males. Clinical data were available for 61 confirmed cases; all had fever, and headache was the most frequent reported symptom. Three infants tested positive, including two 8-day-old neonates; no congenital anomalies were reported. No severe cases or deaths were identified.

The authors note that PCR testing was restricted to a subset because of reagent shortages and operational constraints, creating selection bias and likely undercounting infections. The dengue-negative case definition may also have missed coinfections. The article is an early release and is not a final version. The authors call for stronger laboratory, event-based, and perinatal surveillance; the infant findings do not establish vertical transmission or teratogenic risk.