Given the increase in cases of Oropouche fever in Brazil in 2024, researchers at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) have been contributing, on several fronts, to provide responses to public health.

The disease is caused by a virus called Orthobunyavirus oropoucheense, transmitted mainly by the insect bite Culicoides paraensis, popularly known as maruim or gunpowder mosquito.

According to the Ministry of Health, more than 11,6 thousand cases were registered in the country in 2024, reaching 22 states.

As a Regional Reference Laboratory for Arboviruses, the Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Virus Laboratory of IOC has been working on the diagnosis and scientific research on the condition. 

The Institute also houses the Ceratopogonidae Collection, which houses a collection of around 10 thousand specimens from the maruin family and has contributed to vector surveillance and control actions. 

Check out the special coverage on these and other activities developed by IOC.

Meet the maruim, the main vector of Oropouche fever

specialists of IOC detail characteristics of Culicoides paraensis, also known as sandfly

Microscopy images show Oropouche virus in action

Researchers isolated a viral particle from the lineage linked to recent cases in Brazil and recorded infection in cell culture.

Oropouche: Institute produces manual to guide entomologists in the Americas Region

Prepared in partnership with PAHO, the guide presents the main taxonomic and ecological characteristics of the maruim species

Guidelines to improve surveillance of Oropouche fever vectors

Institute prepares Technical Note for the State Department of Health of RJ on collection, identification and control of maruins

Study Center addresses scientific contributions to the Oropouche virus

Check out the full event broadcast on Canal do IOC on YouTube on October 18

Study analyzes the expansion of the Oropouche virus outside the Amazon

Article points out that cases were more frequent in small cities and those with larger areas of banana plantations

Institute contributes to study on vertical transmission of Oropouche in case of fetal death

Virus detected in fetus in Ceará. Genetic sequencing revealed the presence of the strain circulating in the country

Article on new Oropouche strain published in Nature Medicine

Research led by F.iocruz identified the virus associated with the outbreak in the Amazon region

Scientific exchange against infectious diseases in the Americas and China

Researchers were invited to discuss respiratory viruses, arboviruses, education and equity

Institute confirms first diagnosis of Oropouche fever in Rio de Janeiro

Infection was confirmed by serological examination in a patient with a history of travel to Manaus 

Studies detail the spread of the Oropouche virus in Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo 

Research involving scientists from the Institute identifies new strains of the virus and highlights the impact of climate change on the expansion of the arbovirus