Sloth virus Europe: “Sloth fever”: Oropouche virus hits Europe

The Oropouche virus, also known as “sloth fever,” is a growing health concern in Europe, with 19 cases reported in June and July alone.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Spain, Italy and Germany have each reported confirmed cases of infection.
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), more than 7,700 cases of Oropouche virus have been detected this year in five countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Cuba and Colombia.
The virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of midge moths, but can also be spread by mosquitoes, according to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
The virus has been linked to fawn-throated sloths as its host, but also affects non-human primates and birds.
“The term 'sloth fever' is a slang term that arose from the discovery of the virus in areas inhabited by sloths, which are known to carry various parasites and pathogens,” explains Carolina Goncalves, head pharmacist at Farmica, “but the name is misleading, since the virus is spread through insect bites and not through direct contact with sloths.”
What is the Oloporchis virus?
The virus was first discovered in 1955 in the village of Oropouche in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Oropouche virus is not new, but the factors that caused the recent surge highlight the need for further investigation, Goncalves said.
A study published in The Lancet journal earlier this year described the virus as “a classic neglected disease,” adding that the virus “may emerge as a significant threat” due to its ability to spread widely and cause serious health problems.
Who is most at risk?
“There is still a lot we don't know about the Oropauche virus, but one of the main concerns arising from the current outbreak in South America is the potential harmful effects on the unborn baby,” said Dr Eny Paixao, associate professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Brazilian authorities are investigating recent reports that pregnant women may have transmitted the virus to their unborn babies.
“Very limited studies have found antibodies to the virus in babies born with microcephaly and suggest there may be an association between infection and miscarriages and fetal deaths in Brazil, but more research is needed to investigate a potential causal relationship,” Paixao said.
What are the symptoms?
According to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, infected people usually develop fever within three to eight days and experience symptoms such as a rash, headache, muscle and joint pain and subsequent weakness.
Some people may experience gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity. Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening complication that can occur in severe cases.
Can it be treated?
There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for this virus.
Patients are usually advised to rest, drink fluids, and take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol to reduce fever and relieve pain.
In more extreme cases, patients may have to be hospitalized, while supportive care will be required if the illness is severe or complications arise.
What precautions can you take?
“When traveling to endemic areas, you can avoid infection by taking precautions against insect bites – use insect repellent, cover exposed skin and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets,” Veal says. “Plan ahead and find out where you're going and the latest health information and advice, especially if you're pregnant.”

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