Sloth Fever: 9 Important Things to Know About Oropouche Virus
Oropouche Virus, also known as sloth fever, after it was found in three-toed sloths in South America. Oropouche Virus is rapidly spreading in the US and across Europe after 21 US citizens and travelers coming back from Cuba were reportedly tested positive.
Oropouche Virus is transmitted from infected biting midges to humans. Some mosquitoes can also spread this viral fever. The common Oropouche Virus symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle ache and joint pain, according to the US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Learn everything you need to know about this rapidly spreading sloth fever or Oropouche Virus by scrolling down.
9 Important Things To Know About Oropouche Virus
Here are 9 important things you should know about the rapidly spreading sloth fever or the Oropouche Virus, an arthropod-borne virus.
Oropouche Virus is an arboviral disease caused by a species of insect called arthropod. It can be caused by bites of certain mosquitoes as well. It is also known as sloth fever.
It gets transmitted primarily from infected midges to humans. No case has been reported of Oropouche Virus transmission from person to person yet.
The Oropouche Virus raised an alert after 21 US citizens traveling back from Cuba were tested positive. Till now, this virus has been found to be prevalent in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean countries.
The common symptoms of Oropouche Virus include sudden fever, muscle and joint pains, acute headaches and chills. The symptoms of sloth fever can last for two to seven days typically.
Other symptoms of sloth fever involve sensitivity to light, dizziness, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and rash, as per the US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
Early this year, Brazil reported a case of a pregnant woman infected with Oropouche Virus. The sloth fever got transmitted to her fetus, resulting in its death. This raises concerns of the spread of sloth fever in pregnant women and the potential risk to their babies. Investigation is underway to understand the risk of sloth fever in pregnant women.
So far now, there is no medicine for Oropouche Virus treatment. Only the symptoms can be treated and reduced under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best tip for Sloth Fever prevention is to 'prevent bites from biting midges and mosquitoes.' Besides, wear body-covered clothes like full-sleeved T-shirts and long pants. Pregnant women are advised to avoid traveling to Cuba.
The World Health Organization has set up a public health response plan which includes guidelines for countries on training of healthcare workers, vector control and an 'intensified' sanitation action plan.
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