At a wildlife center in Alajuela, Costa Rica, on April 20, 2004, two baby three-toed sloths are being looked after along with a teddy bear that serves as their surrogate mother. AP Photo
In recent months, over 20 people returning to the U.S. from Cuba have contracted a virus known as Oropouche, or sloth fever, according to American federal health officials. While no fatalities have been reported and there is no sign of the virus spreading within the U.S., health authorities are urging doctors to be vigilant for this illness in travellers arriving from Cuba and other South American regions.
Oropouche virus, first discovered in 1955 in Trinidad, is named after a nearby village and wetlands. It was initially found in a three-toed sloth, leading to its nickname "sloth fever." The virus primarily spreads through bites from small, blood-feeding insects called midges, as well as certain mosquitoes. Although it is transmitted by insects, there is no documented case of human-to-human transmission.
The virus has been responsible for significant outbreaks in the Amazon and new areas of South America and the Caribbean. Since late last year, about 8,000 cases have been reported in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru. In addition, cases have appeared in the U.S. and Europe, with 21 cases reported in the U.S.—20 in Florida and one in New York—all linked to recent travel to Cuba. European health officials have also noted 19 cases, mostly among travellers.
Symptoms of the Oropouche virus can mimic those of other tropical diseases such as dengue, Zika, and malaria. Common symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and sometimes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or rash. In some cases, patients experience recurring symptoms, and about 5% of those infected may suffer severe complications like bleeding, meningitis, or encephalitis. While the virus is rarely fatal, there have been reports of deaths among two healthy young people in Brazil.
Currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments available for the Oropouche virus. Health officials are concerned about potential complications, particularly in pregnant women. In Brazil, there are investigations into whether the virus might be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus, reminiscent of issues observed during past Zika outbreaks.
To prevent infection, the CDC advises pregnant women to avoid non-essential travel to Cuba and recommends all travellers to use insect repellents, and wear long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to minimize bug bites.
