Researcher Professor Stephen Graham has helped develop a suite of powerful protein-based tools that could transform the detection, study, and treatment of the Oropouche virus (OROV), a neglected tropical pathogen now linked to severe outbreaks and even fatalities.
The study, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, reports the purification of two key viral proteins—the nucleoprotein and the Gc spike protein—and their successful use in diagnostic assays. These proteins reliably triggered immune responses in test systems, confirming their potential as antigens for identifying infections.
The team went further by engineering nanobodies—tiny antibody fragments—that not only enabled the creation of a highly sensitive sandwich ELISA to detect OROV antigens in human serum, but also showed vigorous neutralising activity against both historical strains and an emergent reassortant of the virus.
Oropouche fever, spread by biting midges, has historically been overlooked. Still, recent outbreaks across South America—with reports of deaths in healthy individuals and risks to pregnant women—have underscored the urgent need for better diagnostic and therapeutic options.
“These tools open the door to rapid, accurate point-of-care testing and provide a foundation for vaccine development,” the researchers note, highlighting how the combination of antigen-based assays and neutralising nanobodies offers a two-pronged approach to tackling OROV.
The findings mark a significant step forward in preparedness for a virus once considered low priority, but now recognised as a growing global health concern.
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Expert Q&A with Professor Stephen Graham for the Sun: Oropouche Virus and What It Means for the UK
What is Oropouche, and why does it matter?
Oropouche virus is an insect-borne disease, mainly spread by biting midges. Most people who become infected develop fever, severe headaches, and flu-like symptoms that usually resolve within one to two weeks. However, some patients experience more serious complications, including neurological symptoms, and there have been rare reports of fatalities. Currently, there are no licensed antivirals or vaccines for Oropouche virus, and treatment is limited to supportive care such as rest and hydration.
Should we be worried about the UK cases?
No. The small number of cases reported in the UK is not a cause for alarm. Insects transmit the virus, and there is no evidence that UK insects can carry or spread Oropouche. While scientists cannot completely rule out other routes of transmission, such as sexual contact, all current evidence shows that insect bites are the primary mode of spread.
Why are cases being reported in the UK now?
All recent UK cases are linked to international travel. Since late 2023, there has been a large epidemic of Oropouche across Latin America and the Caribbean. The current strain has moved well beyond its traditional range in the Amazon basin, with infections reported as far south as Brazil, north to Cuba, and even travel-related cases detected in the USA, Germany, and Italy. Rising case numbers likely reflect both the wider spread of the virus in the Americas and improved surveillance.
Do UK travellers need to take precautions?
Yes. For people visiting affected regions, the main advice is to avoid insect bites. That means using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and taking the same kinds of precautions you would against mosquitoes in areas with dengue, Zika, or malaria.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone in an outbreak area who an infected insect bites is at risk. However, there are particular concerns for pregnant women. There have been reports of mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, which in some cases has led to miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital abnormalities. Women in their first trimester, or those planning a pregnancy, should take extra care if travelling to affected regions.
Could more cases appear in the UK?
Yes, but only as imported cases while the epidemic continues in Latin America. Scientists are developing rapid diagnostic tests and exploring vaccine strategies, but progress will take time. Importantly, there is no evidence that insects in the UK or wider Europe can transmit the virus, so the main risk remains for travellers to affected areas.