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What is sloth fever? How close is it to Ohio? What to know about virus spreading to US

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What is sloth fever? How close is it to Ohio? What to know about virus spreading to US

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A disease commonly found in the Caribbean and Amazon basin of South America is spreading to the United States, reports the CDC. Is it coming close to Ohio?

Here’s what to know about sloth fever.

What is sloth fever, spread by mosquitoes and midges?

The Oropouche virus, commonly known as sloth fever, has been expanding its range since late 2023, according to Nature. In 2024, the virus has caused more than 8,000 infections in the Americas, mostly in Brazil but also in Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba and Peru. The New York Post reports that there were 832 cases in all of 2023.

It is transmitted to animals and humans by midge or mosquito bites. It became known as sloth fever because the animals are regularly infected, according to the Post. Its incubation period is three to 10 days, per the Post.

What are the symptoms of sloth fever?

About 60% of infected people will develop symptoms, which usually begin with a fever or severe headache, like other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika or malaria, the New York Post reports. Symptoms can last a week, but some can experience weakness for up to a month.

Other symptoms include muscle or joint pain, pain behind the eyes, vomiting and nausea, according to Nature. While most cases are mild, some can become severe, and have neurological complications.

It’s difficult to diagnose Oropouche from the symptoms alone, Nature reports. Lab work is required.

Is sloth fever in the United States? CDC issues travel warning

Florida has reported 20 travel-related cases of sloth fever, the New York Post reports, the only state reporting cases so far. Cases in the United States, Spain, Italy and Germany have been identified in travelers coming from Brazil and Cuba, according to Nature.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a health advisory warning of an increase in the disease from Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba. It advises pregnant women to reconsider travel to affected areas, and that travelers from those areas who are showing symptoms be tested.

Is sloth fever dangerous for pregnant women, newborns?

According to Nature, the presence of antibodies against Oropouche, which reveal a recent infection, have been found in newborns with microcephaly, or abnormally small heads. The publication reports that this suggests an association, but the limitations of the study couldn’t prove a connection.

Sloth fever prevention

The best defense against sloth fever is preventing insect bites, the New York Post reports. Use insect repellent and keep screens on windows and doors. There are no vaccines for Oropouche.

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