The Oropouche virus is an emerging arthropod-borne virus found in the Americas. Several countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean are currently experiencing outbreaks, with cases being identified in regions without prior history of infections. Reports of infections in travellers returning from these regions have also been noted. The dynamics of this virus and its risks to human health are poorly understood. This Public Health Ontario (PHO)Microbiology Rounds will describe the current state of knowledge of the Oropouche virus, its epidemiology and transmission, laboratory testing and algorithms, and future considerations to improve our understanding of this virus.
Intended audience: Microbiologists, laboratory scientists, infectious disease physicians, public health unit (PHU) staff working in enteric, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the important virologic properties of the Oropouche virus and related zoonotic and vector-borne viruses.
- Explain the current epidemiologic patterns of Oropouche virus infections in the Americas and how it may impact people living in Ontario.
- Discuss important drivers that may be contributing to the current Oropouche virus outbreaks.
- Describe laboratory testing methods and algorithms for the detection of Oropouche virus infection.
Presenter(s): Dr. Shawn Clark
Dr. Shawn Clark, MSc, PhD, FCCM is a Clinical Microbiologist at Public Health Ontario, where he oversees laboratory testing for genomics, arthropod-borne viruses and viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Accreditation
Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.
PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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