Deadly virus Sloth fever has arrived across Europe, US, Know its symptoms
The deadly virus Sloth Fever also known as Oropouche virus is spreading rapidly across Europe and the United States, posing a serious threat to public health worldwide.
More than 20 new cases of sloth fever were reported in the United States this week. Those individuals had returned from Cuba and have been diagnosed with the deadly pathogen.
Only one case was reported in New York, and the remaining 20 in Florida. Three of the travelers were hospitalized.
The European health officials previously said they had found 19 cases, nearly all among travelers. 12 in Spain, 5 in Italy, and 2 in Germany. Till now no deaths have been reported in Europe.
The virus is mainly spread by the bites of midges and certain mosquitoes. This virus is naturally found in areas with dense forests and warm climates, especially the Amazon rainforest. The virus was first detected in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago.
Symptoms of Sloth Fever
Symptoms can seem similar to other tropical diseases like dengue, Zika or malaria. Fever, headaches and muscle aches are common, and some infected people also suffer diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or rash. Some patients suffer recurring symptoms, and 1 in 20 can suffer more severe symptoms like bleeding, meningitis and encephalitis.
No vaccine for Sloth Fever
There are no vaccines to prevent infections and no medicines available to treat the symptoms.
As of August 1, the World Health Organisation has reported 8078 confirmed Oropouche cases in the Americas and two deaths. The CDC has issued an advisory to alert US public health authorities of the increase in the virus.
People who are pregnant are advised to consider deferring travel to areas with outbreaks.