Possible vectors associated to Oropouche virus transmission in Cuba, 2024

Prior to this event, no documented circulation of Orthobunyaviruses had been reported in Cuba, leaving the role of local vectors in transmission largely unknown. To investigate potential vectors, we conducted entomo-virological surveys in areas of active transmission across three Cuban provinces during the outbreak period.

Adult insects were collected using both traps and manual aspirators, and tested for OROV by real-time RT-PCR. A total of 2,180 specimens, representing six dipteran species or families, were collected. Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti were the only species captured across all three provinces.