T&T VIRUS WARNING | Local News

CANADIAN travellers are now being warned by their government to take precaution against the “Oropouche virus” when visiting Trinidad and Tobago.

In its updated travel advisories, which was also issued to Canadian embassies by that government, the Oropouche virus was added on December 3, 2024, to the list of health cautions in its travel advice for T&T.

The advisory also still told travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution in T&T due to violent crime”.

The Oropouche virus has now joined zika, chikungunya and dengue to the list of contagious, insect-borne diseases that visitors must watch for.

The advisory noted that the Oropouche virus is a disease which is spread to humans through the bite of an infected small fly called a midge (also known as no-see-um), or possibly certain mosquitoes.

Symptoms usually include fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, chills, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. In some cases, aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain) may occur, the advisory stated.

“Most travellers are at low risk,” the advisory said.

However, it stated that “there are concerns that Oropouche virus could be passed from a pregnant woman or pregnant person to their unborn baby, which might lead to serious problems like stillbirth or issues with the baby’s head and brain development”.

It advised that pregnant women, pregnant people, or anyone planning a pregnancy should discuss the possible risks of travelling to areas with Oropouche virus with their healthcare provider.

“They may want to be extra cautious and avoid travelling to these areas until more is known about the risk,” the advisory stated.

It also cautioned people to protect themselves from midge and mosquito bites at all times. The advisory also noted that “there is no vaccine or medication that protects against Oropouche virus disease”.

Crime caution

The Canadian has continued to warn its nationals against entering some parts of T&T, including Beetham Estate Gardens, Cocorite (north of the Western Main Road), downtown Port of Spain (east of Charlotte Street, south and west of Picadilly street, and north of Independence Square), Laventille and Sea Lots.

The advisory also warned that “violent crime occurs in Trinidad and Tobago”, such as “armed robberies, carjackings, assaults, sexual assaults, kidnappings, murders and home invasions”.

Canadian visitors were also warned that “gang-related attacks, gun violence and drug-related crimes occur” here.

“Weapons have been used on victims who refuse to cooperate. There is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and becoming the victim of gun-related crossfire throughout the country, even during the day. Emergency services’ response may vary,” the advisory stated.

It suggested that visitors exercise awareness of their surroundings at all times, especially around cruise ship docks in Port of Spain and in tourist destinations.

“Don’t walk alone, especially at night,” the advisory stated, adding that people should “ensure that your windows and doors are securely locked.”

“If armed criminals threaten you, cooperate and don’t resist,” the advisory stated.

It also cautioned that there are “robbery rings” operating in the country.

“Some use online dating applications and social media platforms to lure potential victims and schedule meet-ups to assault and rob them. Incidents against foreigners have occurred,” the advisory stated, going on to offer tips on cyber safety.