“Sloth fever”: what is it? What you should know about the virus that is impacting Europe and the United States

 

US officials are on high alert for “sloth fever,” a potentially fatal infection, after Florida reported 20 cases tied to tourism, including nine last week. The Oropouche virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and tiny flies that bite people. It’s widespread in other parts of South America, but Florida reported that travel to Cuba was the cause of 20 cases, the first in the US. Europe has also reported cases of the infection. An infection can result in headaches, nausea, joint stiffness, pain, and in a few extreme circumstances, even death. It poses special challenges for expectant mothers

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Everything you need understand about this new threat is provided here.

What is ‘sloth fever’?

Since sloth fever is caused by an arbovirus, insect bites are the primary method of transmission.

The Oropouche virus, which is pronounced “o-ro-push,” is an arbovirus that infects both humans and animals through mosquito and midge bites. The illness is also referred to as “sloth fever” since it frequently affects slow-moving, bone-breaking creatures.

In a community in the Amazon River Basin close to the Oropouche River, the first viral case was reported in 1955. Insects that feed on infected individuals during epidemics spread the virus to other people.

From 832 cases in 2023 to over 8,000 cases in 2024, “sloth fever” cases have grown.

Since the disease was initially discovered, the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal reports that almost 500,000 cases have been reported. The virus has spread throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, occasionally causing outbreaks in Brazil and Peru. There have been over 8,000 reports of “sloth fever” cases from January to the beginning of August. In 2023, 832 were reported.

Two deaths were reported in Brazil in July out of these 8,000 cases. There have also been a few cases of transmission from mother to fetus, which have led to birth abnormalities or fetal death.

What are the symptoms of “sloth fever”?

 

Three to ten days are needed for sloth fever to incubate. Typically, the illness starts with a sharp fever and a strong headache, much like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, or malaria symptoms. Although weakness can last for up to one month in some people, symptoms often subside within a week.

Approximately 60% of infected individuals experience the following symptoms:

1. Headache

2. Chills

3. Nausea

4. Fever

5. Maculopapular rash

6. Muscle soreness

7. Eye pain

8. Joint pain

9. Vomiting

10.Diarrhea

11. Fatigue

12. Abdominal pain

Severe symptoms:

 

Neuroinvasive disorders like meningitis and encephalitis can be brought on by infection in as many as 4% of human beings.

Eye pain, disorientation, weakness, light sensitivity, stiff neck, and uncontrollably moving eyes are signs of neuroinvasive consequences.

Prevention of sloth fever:

 

The best strategy is to avoid bites by using insect repellent and installing screens on windows and doors. Vaccines to avoid contracting Oropouche illness do not exist. Pregnant women should reevaluate unnecessary travel to infected locations, such as Cuba, according to the CDC.

How is sloth fever treated?

 

 

 

The Oropouche virus is not specifically treated by any drugs.

The CDC states that symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, water, and rest. Avoiding aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines can help lower the risk of bleeding. Individuals with severe symptoms should get medical attention right away.