The Oropouche virus, also known as 'sloth fever,' has now spread to the US. It's essential to be aware of its symptoms and precautions.

The Oropouche virus, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes and also known as sloth fever, has been detected in the United States.

Recent reports from the AP indicate that travelers returning to the U.S. from Cuba have contracted the virus in recent months, but no fatalities have been reported.

The Amazon basin is home to the endemic Oropouche virus, which has also been reported in South America and the Caribbean.

Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1, 2024, there were over 8,000 cases reported globally, including two deaths and five cases of transmission from mother to fetus, according to the CDC's Aug. 16 advisory.

In Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba, sloth fever has been reported.

The CDC has announced that 11 cases of travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil have been identified.

No evidence of local transmission of travel-associated cases exists in the United States or its territories, according to the agency.

"With the rise of testing and surveillance for Oropouche virus disease in the Americas, there is a likelihood of more cases being reported from various countries."

What is the Oropouche virus?

The Oropouche virus, which first appeared in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, has had limited circulation in South America, particularly in forested areas, as per the CDC.

Mosquitoes and midges, particularly the Culicoides paraensis species, are typically responsible for spreading the disease through their bites.

Oropouche has been identified as a disease that is hosted by three-toed sloths and birds.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Planet Chronicle and a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, confirmed to Planet Chronicle Digital that the virus does not spread from person to person.

"The possibility of birth defects poses a risk to the fetus."

Symptoms of Oropouche

The CDC reports that Oropouche, an arbovirus, is commonly misidentified as other viruses, such as Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria.

The virus causes symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff joints, and chills.

A rash may start on the torso and later spread to other parts of the body.

Typically, symptoms manifest within four to eight days post-bite and persist for three to six days.

"Symptoms can abate and reoccur," Siegel noted.

The CDC stated that in severe cases, patients may develop meningitis, encephalitis or other "neuroinvasive" diseases.

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Intense headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, lethargy, stiff neck, and involuntary eye movements are common symptoms for those patients.

Siegel stated that approximately 4% of patients experience neurologic symptoms following their first febrile illness.

Treatment and prevention

The CDC stated that most people who contract Oropouche will recover without any long-term effects.

According to Siegel, there are no vaccines to prevent illness and no treatments to cure it.

Experts suggest that the most effective way to prevent bites from midges and mosquitoes is to avoid them altogether.

The Pan American Health Organization advised people to take preventive measures, such as using repellents, wearing long-sleeved and long-legged clothing, and using fine mesh mosquito nets, and to take extra precautions during outbreaks, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women.

Rest, fluids, and medication can be used to reduce fever and alleviate pain as part of supportive care.

The agency advised that patients with worsening symptoms should be admitted to the hospital for close monitoring and supportive care.

"As testing and surveillance for Oropouche virus disease increase in the Americas, reports of cases from additional countries are expected."

Individuals exhibiting symptoms and possessing risk factors should contact their local health department for testing.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, M.D., an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore, advised clinicians in areas where importation has occurred to be alert to the possibility of this infection, as they may not be familiar with it.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the CDC for comment.