There are reports of a potentially lethal virus called “sloth fever” rapidly spreading throughout the United States.
According to a recent announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 20 Florida residents and one New York resident who had returned from Cuba have been diagnosed with the Oropouche virus. This virus is transmitted through bites from midges and mosquitoes, and is commonly found in central and eastern South American countries. The report was featured in USA TODAY.
Symptoms of the Oropouche virus include fever, chills, headaches, and muscle and joint pain or stiffness. Concerns are particularly high when it comes to pregnant women, as there is a risk of transmitting the disease to the fetus, potentially leading to fetal deaths or health issues at birth.
The Oropouche virus does not have any available vaccine or antiviral treatments. It’s important to note that this virus should not be mistaken for the West Nile Virus, which is also spreading in the United States. The Pan American Health Organization has issued a warning regarding the Oropouche virus, stating that there have been significant changes in its clinical and epidemiological characteristics. This includes a recent rise in cases outside its usual region and the first-ever reports of deaths associated with the virus.
According to the CDC, the virus is often transmitted to urban areas when residents visit forested areas and come into contact with sloths and rodents. These animals can transmit the disease to mosquitoes and flies, which in turn can transmit it to humans. The CDC also stated that there is no evidence of local transmission of the virus in the U.S.