An uncommon virus called ‘Sloth Fever’ is making its way to Europe following the deaths of at least two individuals in Brazil.
The Oropouche virus is affecting travelers in South America, raising concerns that the spread could become uncontrollable.
Up to now, there have been 12 reported cases in Spain, five in Italy, and two in Germany after infected individuals visited Cuba and other countries in the vicinity.
Termed a ‘mysterious threat’ in the Lancet journal, little is known about the illness as it continues to emerge.
The initial reported fatalities from the virus occurred in Brazil last month, involving two women in their twenties.
These victims, aged 21 and 24, experienced severe abdominal pain, bleeding, and hypotension.
In severe cases, the disease can lead to neurological conditions such as encephalitis and meningitis.
Other indications consist of headaches, high fever, muscle aches, joint rigidity, nausea, vomiting, chills, and photophobia.
Pregnant women may face miscarriages or developmental obstacles and abnormalities in the fetus.
There is currently no vaccine available to combat the virus, which belongs to the same disease family as Zika virus and dengue fever.
Symptoms often manifest four to eight days post-bite and persist for three to six days.
There’s no specific medication for treatment, and patients can only receive supportive care.
In a subsequent Lancet publication from January, researchers stated: ‘Over the past 70 years, there has been a noticeable rise in reported Oropouche virus infections, underscoring an escalating public health issue.’
What are the symptoms of Orpuche, also known as ‘Sloth Fever’
- Fever
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- High temperature
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle soreness
- Joint stiffness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Colds
- Photophobia
- Bleeding
- Hypotension
Dr. Paul Hunter, a medical professor at the University of East Anglia, advised against non-essential travel to affected areas for pregnant women, according to the Telegraph.
He expressed confidence that there are likely more infections in Europe than those that have been officially identified and reported.
Dr. Danny Altmann, an Immunology Professor at Imperial College London, mentioned the urgent need for attentiveness as the virus is gaining momentum this summer in the Americas, cautioning tourists to be informed.
He emphasized that regions like southern Europe and North America could face increased risks from illnesses such as Sloth Fever and Zika due to global warming facilitating the expansion of habitats for the midges and mosquitoes that transmit them.
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