Potential vectors associated to Oropouche virus transmission in Cuba, 2024

From May to October 2024, Cuba experienced an outbreak of Oropouche virus (OROV), an Orthobunyavirus previously restricted to the Amazon region. As no Orthobunyavirus circulation had been previously reported in Cuba, the local vector involvement was uncertain. Entomo-virological surveys were conducted in active transmission areas across three provinces. Adult insects collected with traps and aspirators were screened for OROV by real-time RT-qPCR. A total of 2,180 specimens representing six dipteran species or families were identified. <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> and <i>Aedes aegypti</i> occurred in all provinces, with <i>Cx. quinquefasciatus</i> predominating (<i>n</i> = 1,785), followed by <i>Ae. aegypti</i> (<i>n</i> = 285) and Ceratopogonidae (<i>n</i> = 49). Eleven pools containing these taxa tested positive for OROV RNA. Detection of OROV in various species suggests possible involvement of multiple vectors in the Cuban outbreak. Further studies are needed to assess vector competence and elucidate OROV transmission dynamics in the Caribbean region.