A mysterious and deadly disease known as “sloth fever” has spread across Europe and the United States, raising concerns among health officials and the public, and posing a major threat with no known cure at the moment.
In recent developments, more than 20 U.S. travelers returning from Cuba have tested positive, according to a Tuesday update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Europe has also reported 19 cases to date. As the number of cases continues to rise, understanding the nature of this fever, how it is transmitted and preventative measures is critical to public health safety.
Main symptoms
General physician Dr Pareti Siva Karthik Reddy, MBBS, MD, told indianexpress.com, “Sloth fever, officially known as Oropouche fever, has symptoms similar to other viral infections such as dengue fever. It is caused by the Oropouche virus. The main symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills and sensitivity to light.”
“In rare but severe cases, the infection can progress to complications like meningitis or encephalitis, posing serious risks to the nervous system. The incubation period, that is, the period from infection to the onset of symptoms, typically ranges from three to eight days,” adds Dr Pranav Honabala Srinivasan, MBBS, MD, DM, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Fortis.
How is sloth fever transmitted?
Dr Reddy said sloth fever is primarily transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes and midges that feed on infected animals such as sloths, monkeys and birds. “This mode of transmission is similar to other arboviruses such as dengue and Zika.”
One of the major factors behind the rapid spread of the virus in Europe and the United States is increased travel and global interconnectedness, which makes it easier for infected people and vectors to move across borders, he said.
Dr Srinivasan agreed, saying: “The rapid spread of the virus in Europe and the US is likely due to a combination of factors, including increased international travel, expanding habitat for pathogen-carrying insects due to climate change, and a lack of widespread immunity to this relatively new virus.”
The rapid spread of the virus in Europe and the United States is likely the result of a combination of factors, including increased international travel, climate change expanding the habitat of pathogen-carrying insects, and the lack of widespread immunity to this relatively new virus. (Source: Freepik)
What steps can individuals take to reduce the risk of infection?
There is no treatment or vaccine for sloth fever, so prevention is key, Dr Reddy said. Individuals can reduce their risk of infection by taking the following measures:
– Avoid insect bites: Use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and long pants, and use a mosquito net, especially when sleeping.
– Minimize exposure to vectors: Avoid areas with high mosquito and midge activity, especially at dawn and dusk, when bites are most likely.
– Travel precautions: If you are traveling to areas where the virus is known to be present, you can reduce your exposure to insects by staying in accommodations that have proper screening and air conditioning.
– Public health awareness: Knowing travel advisories and health alerts from organizations like the CDC can help travelers take appropriate precautions.
Current challenges facing the medical community in diagnosing and treating sloth fever
“Diagnosis of sloth fever can be difficult as symptoms overlap with other viral diseases such as dengue and Zika. Currently, there is no specific treatment for the virus and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care,” said Dr Srinivasan.
The medical community is actively studying the virus to understand its pathogenesis and develop effective diagnostic tools and antiviral therapies, he says, but he stresses that for now, prevention is key, as the road to a treatment or vaccine is likely to be long and complicated.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and information from experts we spoke to. Always consult with your healthcare professional before starting any routine.
