Quest Launches Diagnostic Test for Oropouche Virus

Image credit: Quest

This week, Quest Diagnostics, announced the launch of a new diagnostic laboratory test for the Oropouche virus. The test will be available with a prescription from a provider for clinical purposes at the end of the month. Quest's advanced laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., developed the diagnostic and will perform the test using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, with serology testing to follow later this quarter. Reverse transcription PCR testing can identify the RNA of the virus during the early stages of infection to aid diagnosis. Serology testing, which identifies antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus, can help diagnose the virus in later stages of infection.¹

"By developing this test, we are prepared to act quickly to offer scalable testing to complement public health labs should this virus become a public health threat," Quest Diagnostics Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Yuri Fesko, MD, said in a statement.¹

Learn more: The Changing Climate of Vector-Borne Diseases

Oropouche’s Impact

Oropouche virus also known as Oropouche fever is transmitted by infected biting midges and occasionally mosquitoes. This disease primarily occurs in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.² One area that has been especially impacted is Brazil. Martins-Filho et al reported on the dramatic increase in cases in that country. There were only 261 cases reported between 2015-2022, but in 2023 there were 831 and then by August 2024, 7497 cases.³ Additionally, there were 2 deaths as well as the first documented case of vertical transmission was identified, resulting in fetal death.³

Cases reported in the United States have been limited to travelers returning from countries with local transmission. Oropouche viral disease presents clinically with symptoms that overlap with those of other arboviral diseases such as Dengue, Zika and chikungunya. While most people recover on their own, Oropouche virus can also cause more severe neuroinvasive disease like meningitis and encephalitis.¹

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the most common symptoms include fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain, which tend to last roughly a week.² Unfortunately there are no vaccines or treatments for Oropouche beyond supportive care.

References

1.Quest Diagnostics Introduces Testing for Oropouche Virus. Quest press release. July 15, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2025.
https://newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/2025-07-15-Quest-Diagnostics-Introduces-Testing-for-Oropouche-Virus
2. About Oropouche. CDC.October 11,2024. Accessed January 27, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/oropouche/about/index.html
3.Martins-Filho PR, Carvalho TA, Dos Santos CA. Oropouche fever: reports of vertical transmission and deaths in Brazil. Lancet Infect Dis. 2024;24(11):e662-e663. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00557-7