The virus was first detected in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago and is endemic in the Amazon basin, per the CDC.
Typically found in South America , Central America and the Caribbean, the Oropouche virus is mainly spread through tiny biting insects, also called midges, and mosquitos."The term ' sloth fever ’ is a colloquial name that has emerged due to the virus being found in areas where sloths, which are known to carry a range of parasites and pathogens, are present,” Carolina Goncalves, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmica, told the.
However, within the past year, significantly more cases have been popping up outside of the Amazon basin."Between January 1 and August 1, 2024, more than 8,000 cases of Oropouche virus disease were reported, including two deaths and five cases of vertical transmission associated with fetal death or congenital abnormalities," according to the CDC. "Countries reporting cases include Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba.
Approximately 60% of people infected with the Oropouche virus become symptomatic, scientists reported.retroorbital pain, photophobia , nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, maculopapular rash, conjunctival injection and abdominal pain. "Initial symptoms typically resolve after a few days, but a high proportion experience recurrent symptoms days to weeks after resolution of their initial illness," the CDC added.Health experts suggest preventing bites from midges and mosquitos by using insect repellant or door and window screens.
Sloth Fever CDC Symptoms South America Mosquitos Insect Bites Outbreak
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