The deaths of two young women, miscarriages and birth defects in Brazil have been linked to Oropouche virus, a little-known disease spread by midges and mosquitoes.

A surge in cases has been recorded in the country this year – 7,284, up from 832 in 2023. Many have been recorded in areas that have not previously seen the virus.

A total of 8,078 cases had been confirmed in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba by the end of July, with doctors in the region urged to be vigilant.

The climate emergency is likely to be driving the insects that spread the virus to new areas, experts warned, while genetic changes in Oropouche itself may play a role.