Oropouche fever: An emerging arbovirus disease from the Americas with possible oral manifestations

Abstract

Oropouche fever (OROV fever) is an emerging arbovirus disease caused by Oropouche virus (OROV). The virus was reported to have a limited circulation in Central and South America, but there is a real possibility of international spread in a near future. Considering the current outbreak of OROV fever in the Region of the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has already published, in 2024, one Epidemiological Alert followed by two Epidemiological Updates. A total of 10,275 cases were confirmed in nine American countries, including imported cases in the United States of America and Canada. Moreover, 30 imported cases were reported, for the first time, in three European countries. Knowledge about OROV fever is still limited. The main clinical manifestations, similar to common arbovirus diseases, include fever, headache, arthralgia, myalgia, bleeding and rash. Gingival bleeding has been reported, and possible oral mucosal lesions could be described in a near future. The disease is usually mild and self-limiting, but severe complications, death and vertical transmission may occur. This article reviews OROV fever, addressing possible oral manifestations as well as the potential contribution of the dental community to a prompt diagnosis and management.