Oropouche virus: molecular virological characteristics and research progress of a neglected arbovirus

Oropouche, second only to dengue, a public health concern in the Amazon Basin of South America, has caused multiple localized outbreaks since its initial identification in 1955. Recurrent epidemics have been reported across various regions, with over 500,000 confirmed cases reported to date [De lima STS, Hua X, Claro IM 31(4):838-42, 2025, Almeida JD, Tyrrell DA, 1(2):175-8, 1967]. From late 2023 to early 2024, the geographic range of OROV rapidly expanded, Epidemiological data indicate that the geographical spread of the virus has extended beyond endemic regions such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, with imported cases successively reported in non-endemic areas including Italy and the United States, confirming its significant potential for cross-border transmission and global dissemination [Castilletti C, Mori A, Matucci A, 29(26), 2024, Benitez A J, Alvarez M, Perez L, 30(10): 2155-9, 2024]. Currently, there are notable gaps in surveillance networks and control capabilities for this pathogen, alongside a scarcity of fundamental research and countermeasures. Recent outbreaks have heightened concerns, as they not only threaten to overwhelm local healthcare systems but also raise alarms about the potential escalation to regional epidemics and even global public health emergencies. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, this review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular characteristics, epidemiology, and available detection and treatment methods of the virus. It reveals substantial gaps in the understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms and transmission dynamics. There is an urgent need to enhance viral surveillance, advance translational research from basic virology to clinical applications, and accelerate the development of medical countermeasures-including diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and antiviral therapies-to effectively mitigate the potential public health threat posed by this pathogen. Currently, surveillance and control measures for OROV remain limited. Despite its significant impact, research on OROV is scarce. Recent outbreaks may overwhelm local healthcare systems, raising concerns about the risk of regional epidemics and even potential public health emergencies worldwide. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular virology and epidemiology of OROV, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, as well as accelerated research into its pathogenesis, vaccines, and therapeutics to mitigate the threat posed by this emerging arbovirus.