What is sloth fever, a viral disease now in the US? Symptoms, prevention, and how you can get it
The CDC has issued a health advisory warning of the arrival in the United States of the Oropouche virus disease, also known as ‘sloth fever.’
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a health advisory regarding the arrival in the United States of the Oropouche virus disease, also known as “sloth fever”.
The New York State health department has reported one case in the state, while nine travel-related cases were recently reported in Florida within one week.
Despite the disease’s nickname, it is not spread through direct contact with sloths. The colloquial term came about because the virus has been found in areas these animals inhabit. Sloths are known to carry parasites and bacterial infections, and have also been found to be regularly infected by the virus.
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What is sloth fever, a viral disease now in the US? Symptoms, prevention, and how you can get it
Oropouche is an illness caused by the Oropouche virus which is transmitted to humans mainly through the bite of infected small flying insects called midges, but also potentially of mosquitoes and other insects, according to the CDC.
The virus is usually found in Central and South America, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It has sparked numerous outbreaks in the past, particularly in the Amazon Basin.
The Oropouche virus can be transmitted from human to insect and then to other humans. The CDC says most people who are infected will develop symptoms.
What are the symptoms of sloth or Oropouche fever?
The illness causes flu-like symptoms including the following:
- Sudden onset of high fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
- Eye pain and sensitivity to light
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Symptoms generally last for two to seven days, and while the disease rarely leads to death, it can be highly debilitating. In some cases, patients may experience a relapse of symptoms after they initially recover.
How to prevent sloth or Oropouche fever
The best way to protect yourself and your family from Oropouche is to prevent bites from midges, mosquitoes, and other insects.
This involves controlling insect populations and avoiding bites by using insect repellents, insecticide-treated nets, and protective clothing. No specific vaccine or anti-viral treatment is available for the disease at the moment.
The CDC advises people who are experiencing symptoms and have recently stayed at an area where there is a sloth fever outbreak to go to a healthcare provider, and to inform them of your travel history.