The SOGC has released a new Position Statement titled The Prevention and Management of Oropouche Viral Disease in Pregnancy. This document summarizes evidence on the prevention and management of Oropouche Viral Disease (OROV) in pregnancy and provides clinical recommendations for health care providers.
Developed by a multidisciplinary group of experts, the statement highlights the following key messages:
- OROV is an Arbovirus (arthropod-borne) primarily transmitted by midges and, less commonly, by mosquitoes.
- OROV can cause a range of illnesses, from mild to severe, in infected Individuals. OROV has recently expanded to new tropical areas, resulting in sizeable outbreaks in affected areas and growing recognition of its potential for severe illness. There have been reports of travel-associated cases of OROV in Canada.
- There have been case reports of fetal harm associated with vertical transmission of OROV from mother to fetus.
- Clinicians should adopt a precautionary approach and counsel pregnant patients to avoid nonessential travel to areas currently experiencing an OROV outbreak.
- If travel is unavoidable, measures to prevent insect bites should be emphasized, such as using approved skin repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying in insect-protected living areas.
We encourage obstetrician gynaecologists and other health care providers to review this statement to support informed discussions with patients.
Additionally, a public-facing webpage and infographic have been developed for patients and the public. See link here: Insect-Transmitted Infections During Pregnancy – Pregnancy Info.