A dangerous and highly contagious disease known as deadly sloth fever has spread rapidly across Europe and the United States, posing a serious threat to public health worldwide. In the latest development, more than 20 people who returned to the United States from Cuba have been diagnosed with the Oropouche virus, the virus responsible for this outbreak.
Brazil has reported its first death from Oropouche virus, a rare disease spread by midges and mosquitoes. (Pixabay)
Cases are surging in these areas, and virologists and health officials are racing to understand the nature of the disease and develop effective countermeasures.
How does the Oropouche virus spread?
Oropouche virus, also known as deadly sloth fever, is primarily transmitted by the bite of midges and certain mosquitoes. The virus is naturally found in dense forests and warm climate areas, especially the Amazon rainforest. The first case of infection with Oropouche virus was recorded in 1955 in the town of Oropouche, Trinidad and Tobago.
Surprisingly, the virus was first discovered in sloths in Brazil five years after the first human cases and was named “sloth fever.”
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How does the Oropouche virus spread?
Scientists believe sloths played a key role in transmitting the virus between insects and animals. In humans, the virus is spread through the bites of flies called midges and certain types of mosquitoes. According to the Associated Press, humans are thought to have contracted the virus when visiting wooded areas, helping it reach towns and cities, although direct person-to-person transmission has yet to be documented.
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What are the symptoms?
Deadly sloth fever shares many symptoms with other tropical diseases such as dengue, Zika and malaria. People may experience fever, headache and muscle aches. Some people may also experience diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting and a rash.
Reports say that in very severe cases, the disease can lead to cerebral hemorrhage, brain inflammation, or brain swelling.
Have there been any documented deaths from Oropouche virus?
Deaths from the Oropouche virus are rare, but two recent cases in Brazil this year of infection in young and healthy people have raised concerns. These are the first reported deaths from the virus, and there is now evidence suggesting it can be transmitted from pregnant women to their unborn babies, potentially harming births.
Is there a vaccine for Oropauche virus?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease and no medicines to treat the symptoms.
Affected areas
Reported cases: More than 8,000 locally transmitted cases have been reported in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Peru since late last year.
Spread of the virus in Cuba: Cuban health authorities began reporting cases in May and the virus has spread rapidly from rural to urban areas, including Havana.
Cases in Europe: Between June and July 2024, 19 cases were recorded in the European Union: 12 in Spain, 5 in Italy and 2 in Germany. No deaths have been reported in Europe.
Situation in the United States: There is currently no evidence that the virus is spreading within the United States.
Recommendations: U.S. officials are advising doctors to monitor travelers from Cuba and South America for signs of the virus.
