More victims struck by this virus–what you need to know about the devastating "sloth fever"
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The term “sloth fever” might evoke images of a slow-moving, benign condition, but the reality is far from it. This dangerous new virus is surprisingly spreading at a quick pace as it reached outside its usual range.
With recent reports of the virus leading to a stillbirth in Brazil, it's time to take a closer look at this pathogen and understand the steps we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
The oropouche virus, colloquially known as “sloth fever,” has emerged as a significant health concern, particularly for pregnant women and their unborn children. First identified in the 1950s, the oropouche virus has been primarily confined to South America, with sporadic outbreaks causing febrile illness in humans.
Named after the region where it was first discovered, the virus is transmitted through the bite of infected midges and mosquitoes, which can also feed on sloths, hence the nickname “sloth fever.” While sloths are not direct transmitters to humans, they are part of the virus's life cycle.
The virus is known to cause symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, joint stiffness, nausea, chills, sensitivity to light, and vomiting.
In severe cases, it can breach the blood-brain barrier, leading to meningitis and potentially fatal outcomes. While the majority of infections result in recovery, the virus's impact on pregnant women and their fetuses is particularly alarming.
The recent case in Ceará, Brazil, where a pregnant woman suffered a stillbirth after contracting the oropouche virus, has shed light on the potential risks during pregnancy.
The unknown woman experienced fever, chills, muscle aches, and a severe headache in July 2024. Three days later, she experienced light vaginal bleeding with dark discharge.
Nine days from this incident, her symptoms continued and subsequent scans revealed that her baby passed away during this time.
“'These findings emphasize the risks of oropouche virus infection in pregnancy and the need to consider this infection in pregnant women with fever or other suggestive symptoms who live in or visit regions in which the virus is endemic or emerging.” the researchers from the New England Journal of Medicine stated.
The virus was found in the brain, spinal fluid, and other tissues of the stillborn child, indicating vertical transmission from mother to fetus. This incident follows months after more than 12 cases of the oropouche virus was detected all over Europe.
Usually, the symptoms of this virus start four to eight days following the bite from small insects that carry the disease, such as midges. Although possibly fatal, death is extremely rare while recovery is common. In most cases, the symptoms subside within four days.
At present, the sloth fever’s impact on pregnancy is still being researched. Although, miscarriage and increased risk of microcephaly, a birth defect, have been reported in the past.
The virus also comes from the same family as the Zika virus, known to cause the same pregnancy concerns. Since there is an increase in cases, European health officials have warned citizens and residents of the areas afflicted with the epidemic about a moderate risk for infection.
It’s recommended to regularly apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts as well as long trousers to reduce the chance of bites.
While the oropouche virus has not established a foothold in cooler climates, the rise in international travel and the effects of climate change could alter its reach.
Habitat destruction and increased human-animal interactions may facilitate the spread of the virus beyond its traditional confines.
Have you or someone you know been affected by “'sloth fever”? Do you have concerns about traveling to areas where the oropouche virus is prevalent? Share your stories and questions in the comments below!
With recent reports of the virus leading to a stillbirth in Brazil, it's time to take a closer look at this pathogen and understand the steps we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
The oropouche virus, colloquially known as “sloth fever,” has emerged as a significant health concern, particularly for pregnant women and their unborn children. First identified in the 1950s, the oropouche virus has been primarily confined to South America, with sporadic outbreaks causing febrile illness in humans.
Named after the region where it was first discovered, the virus is transmitted through the bite of infected midges and mosquitoes, which can also feed on sloths, hence the nickname “sloth fever.” While sloths are not direct transmitters to humans, they are part of the virus's life cycle.
There have been recent reports of oropouche virus cases spreading beyond its usual South American range, with detections in European countries. Image source: Pexels / Braulio Espinoza Sanchez.
The virus is known to cause symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, joint stiffness, nausea, chills, sensitivity to light, and vomiting.
In severe cases, it can breach the blood-brain barrier, leading to meningitis and potentially fatal outcomes. While the majority of infections result in recovery, the virus's impact on pregnant women and their fetuses is particularly alarming.
The recent case in Ceará, Brazil, where a pregnant woman suffered a stillbirth after contracting the oropouche virus, has shed light on the potential risks during pregnancy.
The unknown woman experienced fever, chills, muscle aches, and a severe headache in July 2024. Three days later, she experienced light vaginal bleeding with dark discharge.
Nine days from this incident, her symptoms continued and subsequent scans revealed that her baby passed away during this time.
“'These findings emphasize the risks of oropouche virus infection in pregnancy and the need to consider this infection in pregnant women with fever or other suggestive symptoms who live in or visit regions in which the virus is endemic or emerging.” the researchers from the New England Journal of Medicine stated.
The virus was found in the brain, spinal fluid, and other tissues of the stillborn child, indicating vertical transmission from mother to fetus. This incident follows months after more than 12 cases of the oropouche virus was detected all over Europe.
Usually, the symptoms of this virus start four to eight days following the bite from small insects that carry the disease, such as midges. Although possibly fatal, death is extremely rare while recovery is common. In most cases, the symptoms subside within four days.
At present, the sloth fever’s impact on pregnancy is still being researched. Although, miscarriage and increased risk of microcephaly, a birth defect, have been reported in the past.
The virus also comes from the same family as the Zika virus, known to cause the same pregnancy concerns. Since there is an increase in cases, European health officials have warned citizens and residents of the areas afflicted with the epidemic about a moderate risk for infection.
It’s recommended to regularly apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts as well as long trousers to reduce the chance of bites.
While the oropouche virus has not established a foothold in cooler climates, the rise in international travel and the effects of climate change could alter its reach.
Habitat destruction and increased human-animal interactions may facilitate the spread of the virus beyond its traditional confines.
Have you or someone you know been affected by “'sloth fever”? Do you have concerns about traveling to areas where the oropouche virus is prevalent? Share your stories and questions in the comments below!
