Sloth Fever Virus: A potentially deadly virus, known as “sloth fever,” has put US health officials on high alert after Florida reported 20 travel-related cases, including nine last week alone. This outbreak marks the first recorded instances of the Oropouche virus in the United States, with all cases linked to recent travel to Cuba. The virus, which is transmitted through the bites of infected small flies and mosquitoes, has also been detected in Europe and is common in parts of South America.
What is Sloth Fever?
Sloth fever is the colloquial name for the Oropouche virus (pronounced o-ro-push), an arbovirus transmitted to humans and animals through midge and mosquito bites. The virus gets its nickname from the fact that sloths, among other animals, are frequently infected by this virus. The first known case of the Oropouche virus was recorded in 1955 in a village near the Oropouche River in the Amazon River Basin. During outbreaks, the virus can spread quickly as infected humans are bitten by insects, which then transmit the virus to others.
Since its discovery, there have been around 500,000 recorded cases of Oropouche virus, with sporadic outbreaks primarily in Brazil and Peru. As of August 2024, more than 8,000 cases of sloth fever have been reported this year alone, with two deaths recorded in Brazil in July. The virus poses a significant risk to pregnant women, as transmission from mother to fetus can result in fetal death or birth defects.
What are Sloth Fever Symptoms?
The incubation period for sloth fever typically ranges from three to 10 days. Symptoms often begin suddenly with a high fever and a severe headache, closely resembling those of dengue, chikungunya, Zika viruses, or malaria. While most symptoms last less than a week, some patients may experience lingering weakness for up to a month.
Around 60% of those infected with the Oropouche virus develop symptoms, which can include:
- Headache
- Chills
- Nausea
- Fever
- Maculopapular rash
- Muscle soreness
- Eye pain
- Joint pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
Severe Symptoms of Sloth Fever
In approximately 4% of cases, sloth fever can lead to serious complications, such as neuroinvasive diseases like meningitis and encephalitis. Symptoms of these severe conditions include:
- Eye pain
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Light sensitivity
- Neck stiffness
- Involuntary eye movement
Sloth Fever Prevention
The most effective way to prevent sloth fever is by avoiding insect bites. This can be done by using insect repellent and ensuring that windows and doors are properly screened to keep insects out. Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent Oropouche virus infection. The CDC advises pregnant individuals to reconsider nonessential travel to regions where the virus is prevalent, such as Cuba.
How is Sloth Fever Treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for the Oropouche virus. According to the CDC, the best approach to managing sloth fever symptoms is through rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers. However, it’s important to avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the risk of hemorrhage. Patients who experience severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
As sloth fever continues to emerge as a public health concern, particularly in the United States, understanding the risks and prevention methods is crucial. If you’re planning to travel to areas where the Oropouche virus is known to be active, take precautions to protect yourself from insect bites. Stay informed about the latest developments, and seek medical advice if you suspect you’ve been infected.
