Quest Diagnostics Introduces Testing for Oropouche Virus

Rhea-AI Summary

Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) has announced the launch of a new diagnostic laboratory test for the Oropouche virus, an emerging infectious disease prevalent in South and Central America and the Caribbean. The test, developed at Quest's San Juan Capistrano laboratory, will be available with a prescription by the end of July 2025.

The diagnostic solution employs PCR technology for early-stage detection, with serology testing planned for later in the quarter. This development follows Quest's CDC contracts awarded in September 2024 to support testing readiness for emerging infectious diseases. The initiative demonstrates Quest's role in preparing the U.S. healthcare system for potential public health threats.

[ "Development of first commercial diagnostic test for Oropouche virus in response to CDC contract", "Expansion of testing capabilities with both PCR and upcoming serology testing options", "Strategic positioning for potential public health threats through CDC contract funding" ]

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Limited immediate market potential as current U.S. cases are restricted to travelers
• Test requires prescription from healthcare provider, limiting direct access

Insights

Healthcare Industry Analyst

Quest's new Oropouche virus test enhances infectious disease portfolio, strengthens CDC partnership, and positions company to address emerging health threats.

Quest Diagnostics has strategically expanded its infectious disease testing portfolio with the introduction of an Oropouche virus diagnostic test. This development follows CDC contracts awarded in September 2024 specifically supporting testing capabilities for emerging infectious diseases. The company is demonstrating its ability to rapidly respond to evolving public health needs, with the test becoming clinically available with prescription by month-end.

The technical approach employs PCR technology initially, with serology testing planned for later this quarter - providing a comprehensive diagnostic solution covering both early detection (viral RNA) and later-stage infection (antibody response). This dual-method approach maximizes clinical utility across the disease timeline.

While current North American threat remains low, Quest is positioning itself as a prepared commercial testing partner should Oropouche virus - which can cause severe neurological complications including meningitis and encephalitis - become more prevalent. The timing is strategic as the virus continues spreading through South America, Central America, and the Caribbean regions.

This launch represents Quest's second CDC contract-related diagnostic test following their Avian Influenza A H5 test. The pattern of successful government partnership execution strengthens Quest's positioning for future public health initiatives and emergency response capabilities. The company is building valuable infrastructure and expertise in rapidly scaling diagnostic solutions for emerging threats - a capability that extends beyond immediate revenue potential to long-term strategic value in the infectious disease market.

Diagnostic testing for emerging infectious disease associated with severe neurological affects

SECAUCUS, N.J., July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), a leader in diagnostic information services, today announced the launch of a new diagnostic laboratory test for the Oropouche virus, an emerging disease that is increasingly found in South and Central America and the Caribbean.

"As one of the leading providers of laboratory testing, Quest plays an essential role in ensuring the U.S. is prepared to respond to potentially dangerous emerging diseases, such as Oropouche virus," said Yuri Fesko, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Quest Diagnostics. "By developing this test, we are prepared to act quickly to offer scalable testing to complement public health labs should this virus become a public health threat."

Oropouche virus is an emerging virus in the Americas that is spread to people by infected biting midges and some mosquito species. While the current threat to the public in North America remains low, Oropouche virus has been reported in parts of South America, Central America and the Caribbean, with the majority of infected individuals becoming symptomatic. Cases reported in the United States have been limited to travelers returning from countries with local transmission. Oropouche viral disease presents clinically with symptoms that overlap with those of other arboviral diseases such as Dengue, Zika and chikungunya. While most people recover on their own, Oropouche virus can also cause more severe neuroinvasive disease like meningitis and encephalitis.

The test will be available with a prescription from a provider for clinical purposes at the end of the month. Quest's advanced laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, California, developed and will perform the test using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, with serology testing to follow later this quarter. Reverse transcription PCR testing can identify the RNA of the virus during the early stages of infection to aid diagnosis. Serology testing, which identifies antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus, can help diagnose the virus in later stages of infection.

In September 2024, Quest Diagnostics was awarded several contracts by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support testing and sustained laboratory readiness for emerging infectious diseases, including the development of diagnostics to aid the detection of Oropouche virus. The company also launched the first commercially available diagnostic test for Avian Influenza A H5 based on the funding. The contracts provide funding to enable the company to maintain testing readiness, such as for adequate supplies of certain equipment and chemical reagents used to perform the tests, on a sustained basis, should the U.S. need to quickly mobilize response to safeguard public health.

About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics works across the healthcare ecosystem to create a healthier world, one life at a time. We provide diagnostic insights from the results of our laboratory testing to empower people, physicians and organizations to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from one of the world's largest databases of de-identifiable clinical lab results, Quest's diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve healthcare management. Quest Diagnostics annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our nearly 55,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives and create a healthier world. www.QuestDiagnostics.com.

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SOURCE Quest Diagnostics

FAQ

When will Quest Diagnostics (DGX) launch its Oropouche virus test?

Quest Diagnostics will launch the test with prescription availability by the end of July 2025, with additional serology testing to follow later in the quarter.

What technology does Quest's Oropouche virus test use?

The test uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to identify virus RNA during early infection stages, with serology testing for antibody detection coming later.

How prevalent is Oropouche virus in the United States?

Currently, U.S. cases are limited to travelers returning from countries with local transmission in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

What is Quest Diagnostics' role in CDC's infectious disease preparedness?

Quest received CDC contracts in September 2024 to support testing and sustained laboratory readiness for emerging infectious diseases, including Oropouche virus detection.

What symptoms does Oropouche virus cause?

Symptoms overlap with other arboviral diseases like Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, and can potentially cause severe neuroinvasive conditions like meningitis and encephalitis.