Once contained in the Amazon, the mysterious Oropouche virus, also known as “sloth fever,” has been detected in the United States, Europe, and even Quebec. What is it and is it dangerous? Here’s everything you need to know.
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What exactly is the Oropouche virus?
Endemic to the Amazon region, the Oropouche virus is an arbovirosis, a viral disease transmitted by the bite of an infected insect. It circulates mainly in South and Central America and the Caribbean.
Some 8,000 cases of infection were reported across the Americas between January and August 1, 90% of which were in Brazil, the CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec said in a call for vigilance issued Monday.
The cases reported in Quebec and the United States are believed to have developed among travelers who recently visited Cuba, public health authorities said.
Although several animal species can contract the virus, it is called “sloth fever” because scientists studying it detected it in a three-toed sloth and believed the species had something to do with the transmission.
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How is the virus transmitted?
The virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected biting midges or mosquitoes. An infected pregnant woman can also transmit the virus to her fetus.
Since there is no vaccine against the infection, the best way to prevent it is to avoid being bitten by using insect repellent on exposed skin.
What are the symptoms of sloth fever?
- Nausea
- The fever
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Pain behind the eyes
- Skin rashes
According to Health Canada, the symptoms can be confused with those of dengue fever, which is also transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. They typically develop four to eight days after being infected.
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For its part, the CDC estimates that less than 1 in 20 infected people will develop more serious illness, such as aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the brain membranes), encephalitis or bleeding.
It is rare for an Oropouche virus infection to lead to death, it is specified.
There is no known treatment for sloth fever.
