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An emerging debilitating virus dubbed “sloth fever” has been discovered in Europe.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 19 imported cases of the Oropouche virus were reported in Europe in June and July. Twelve of these were reported in Spain, five in Italy and two in Germany.
Oropouche virus (OROV), an RNA arbovirus, was first detected in the village of Oropouche in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955.
According to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes are also known to carry the virus.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert for the first time regarding an increase in reported cases of the virus in five countries – Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Cuba and Colombia – in July.
The Lancet medical journal reported that the virus has a reservoir in pale-throated sloths, but also in non-human primates and birds. However, the possible link with sloths seems to have become popular.
“The term ‘sloth fever’ is a colloquial name that arose because the virus is found in areas where there are sloths, which carry a variety of parasites and pathogens,” explained Carolina Goncalves, Pharmica’s pharmaceutical superintendent. “However, the name is relatively misleading, as it is transmitted through insect bites, not direct contact with sloths.”
Why has this happened?
Dr Enny Paixao, associate professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “Several factors may explain the recent outbreak, including enhanced surveillance, climate and environmental changes and possible changes in the virus.
“Similar to other vector-borne diseases such as dengue, climate change may also be affecting the spread of the Oropouche virus. “Changes in temperature and rainfall can affect transmission; for example, rising temperatures may increase the development rate of Culicoides mosquitoes, one of the main vectors of transmission of the virus in South America along with mosquitoes.”
Although the Oropouche virus is not new, the factors driving the recent sharp rise highlight the need for further research, he said.
“Until there is progress in the development of vaccines or in the control of mosquitoes and gnats, or until natural immunity develops in the population of Brazil [and other affected countries] increases, the challenge posed by this neglected tropical disease will persist.”
Will I get infected in the UK?
Dr Philip Veal, travel health consultant at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “The mosquito that transmits the oropouche virus is not currently established in Europe. “It is typically found in the Americas. There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from person to person.”
The UKHSA also added that all cases diagnosed in Europe were acquired elsewhere.
Who is most at risk?
“There is still much we don’t know about the oropouche virus, but one of the main concerns arising from the current outbreak in South America is its potential harmful effects on fetuses,” Paixao said. In July, PAHO issued an alert about possible mother-to-child transmission of the oropouche virus in Brazil.
“Some very limited studies have suggested that antibodies against the virus have been found in children born with microencephaly and that there may be a link between infection, miscarriage and stillbirths in Brazil, but further research is needed to investigate a possible causal link,” says Paixao.
What are the symptoms of sloth fever?
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said the most common symptoms include rash, headache, muscle or joint pain and weakness. People affected usually develop a fever three to eight days after infection.
In addition, in some cases, people may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms and sensitivity to light. The research center also added that severe cases are rare, but can lead to neurological symptoms similar to meningitis.
Can it be treated?
“So far, there are no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines available for the Oropouche virus,” Goncalves said. “Treatment is mainly focused on managing symptoms and providing palliative care.”
Patients are generally advised to rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, to reduce fever and relieve pain.
“In more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide supportive care, especially if complications arise, although severe cases are relatively rare,” Goncalves added.
What should I do if I plan to travel to an affected area?
“When traveling to affected areas, you can avoid infection by avoiding insect bites. Use insect repellent, cover exposed skin and sleep under a treated mosquito net,” Veal said. “Plan ahead and check the TravelHealthPro website to find your destination and the latest health information and advice, especially if you are pregnant.”
