Knowing The Mysterious Sloth Fever, Oropouche Virus Better

Recently, the US CDC reported 21 cases of US travelers coming from Cuba who were infected with Sloth fever, also commonly known as the Oropouche virus. Cases in Florida and New York have come up with the symptoms- all of the travelers were coming from Cuba.

Previously, European Health officials reported 19 cases, all of them travelers, and now they have increased to 21. No evidence of local transmission within the US has been found as yet, the CDC informed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is a virus transmitted from bug bites.

At present, its outbreak is not witnessed in the United States but health officials have asked to remain vigilant about the travelers coming from Cuba and South America.

What is Sloth fever in reality?

Sloth fever is most commonly found in tropical forest regions. It was first detected in a 24-year-old forest worker on the island of Trinidad in 1955. The nearby village and lands were also found to be infected as the same symptoms were found.

Scientists assume that the virus is generally found in a three-toed sloth that appears to be the origin of the virus. These sloths and other biting insects like bugs and mosquitoes are the actual source of the Oropouche virus.

A research study published in 2024 said that it could be neglected virus that is now transforming and getting stronger each day with environmental and climate change. Its fast spreading nature could be due to migration of animals and humans in rent times, which is likely to spread beyond South America.

How it spreads?

A specific type of mosquito and some small biting insects, called midges, are the real transmitters of Sloth fever. There had been large outbreaks in the Amazon and the South American region, and the areas near the Caribbean Sea.

More than 8,000 local cases have been registered for Sloth fever in Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Columbia and Peru.

The humans who become infected visiting other areas, especially the urban population where the population is dense and transmission is easy, introduce the virus to other environments.

CDC said that 60 per cent of the people who come in contact with the already infected person might show these symptoms.  

Sloth fever symptoms and treatment

Various symptoms have been reported among the cases detected until now. In some people, it is fever, headaches, body chills, joint stiffness, and muscle aches. In other cases, it is diarrhea, vomiting, light sensitivity, pain behind the eyes, dizziness, or body rashes.

One in 20 cases showed severe symptoms like bleeding, meningitis and encephalitis. The virus is not considered fatal but two deaths have been reported in Brazil- both of them were healthy.

The symptoms can last from two to seven days, almost a week. They might reoccur after a few days or weeks if proper precautions are not taken.  

CDC declared that a majority of the people suffering from Sloth fever might catch it again within one month. It might appear similar to dengue, Zika virus, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases, hence, extra vigilance is mandatory while monitoring its symptoms.

No authentic treatment and vaccines have been announced for Sloth fever yet.

US CDC has suggested that the best way of protection is the prevention of getting bug bites and mosquitoes.  

Recommendations from CDC

CDC recommends that people use mosquito or insect repellents to keep small biting insects away from their homes. They should keep doors and windows closed, especially after the evening to prevent the invasion of such insects at your homes.

CDC also gives special instructions to pregnant women. The firm asks them not to travel unless extreme need arises. CDC has warned of an outbreak if pregnant women get infected with Sloth fever.