This disease is named after the region where it was first discovered and isolated at the Trinidad Regional Virus Laboratory in 1955 by the Oropouche River in Trinidad and Tobago.

The virus is considered a public health threat in tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America, with over half a million infected people as of 2005. >30 epidemics during 1960–2009.

The toolbox for this virus is currently in development. Please contact us via for more information.