When I began studying arboviruses over a decade ago, Oropouche virus (OROV) was a relatively obscure name compared to high-profile viruses like Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya. First identified in Trinidad in 1955, OROV remained confined to remote regions of South and Central America, causing sporadic outbreaks with symptoms easily mistaken for other arboviruses. However, recent trends paint a very different picture of this pathogen. In 2024, Brazil reported over 8,000 OROV cases by August, a dramatic rise from fewer than 1,000 the previous year. This surge included the first documented cases of vertical transmission, leading to fetal deaths and severe congenital anomalies such as microcephaly and agenesis of the corpus callosum. These outcomes parallel the devastating effects of Zika during the 2015–2016 outbreak and underline OROV’s capacity for significant public health impact. What makes OROV particularly concerning is its expanding geographic range. Traditionally limited to the Amazon Basin, cases are now reported across Brazil, neighboring countries, and even Europe. In 2024, imported cases appeared in Spain, Italy, and Germany, largely linked to travelers from Cuba and Brazil. Climate change and global mobility are key drivers of this spread, as warming temperatures create new habitats for its primary vector, the biting midge Culicoides paraensis. Despite these alarming developments, OROV remains under-recognized. Its impact is often limited to resource-poor communities, which lack robust healthcare infrastructure. This neglect underscores the need for targeted surveillance efforts and the integration of genomic tools to track the virus’s spread and evolution. In my research, I focus on combining genetic, ecological, and epidemiological data to understand OROV’s transmission dynamics. Through real-time genome sequencing, we provide actionable insights to public health authorities, enabling more effective interventions. Our findings reveal that factors like urbanization, deforestation, and changes in agricultural practices are creating conditions for OROV’s continued expansion. To address this growing threat, we must adopt a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. This holistic strategy recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and their shared environment. OROV’s spread is a prime example of how environmental changes, such as deforestation and climate shifts, directly affect vector-borne disease dynamics. As part of the CLIMADE consortium, I collaborate with global experts to develop innovative surveillance tools and intervention strategies to tackle climate-sensitive diseases like OROV. Our work combines genomic monitoring, eco-epidemiological modeling, and real-time data to predict and prevent outbreaks. By shedding light on OROV’s emergence, we hope to inspire coordinated efforts across science, policy, and public health. OROV's alarming rise underscores the urgent need for a global response. This is no longer a localized issue—it is a public health challenge with the potential for widespread consequences. Through collaboration and proactive action, we can prevent OROV from becoming the next global epidemic.