Sloth fever virus symptoms

Is Sloth Fever the New 'Sloth' You Should Worry About?

Oropouche virus, or sloth fever, has made its way to the US! Here's everything you need to protect yourself and others.

Sloth fever, scientifically known as the Oropouche virus, is the latest tropical disease that has set alarm bells ringing among health officials in the United States. With reports of more than 21 individuals diagnosed after returning from their travels to Cuba and Brazil, the CDC has issued a health advisory urging travelers to be aware of this potentially fatal illness. But what exactly is this intriguing (and slightly concerning) virus that sounds like it came straight out of a cartoon?

The Oropouche virus is traditionally transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes and other biting insects, typically found in tropical areas. Symptoms of sloth fever can range from mild fever, headaches, and joint pains to more severe effects like delirium and encephalitis. Though it shouldn’t make you feel like you're starring in an episode of a disease documentary, it’s essential to be aware as it poses the greatest risk to pregnant women and vulnerable individuals. Tracking this virus's journey from the jungles of South America to major U.S. cities has been more connected to airline travel than sloth-like creatures, but the name certainly adds a quirky tone to a serious issue.

New York is currently grappling with its first cases, and health officials are advocating for extra precautions. Travelers, especially those venturing into areas where sloth fever cases have emerged, are being advised to use bug repellent and protective clothing and to be vigilant about insect bites. The good news? The virus is not contagious between humans—so, rest easy, you won’t catch sloth fever over brunch! But it leaves us thinking: what do sloths have to do with this? Maybe they were just looking to get their very own trendy disease name.

In addition to the cautionary measures, it’s fascinating to note that this isn’t the first time a disease has taken a bite out of our travel plans. Just think about Zika and Chikungunya—both of which also made headlines in earlier years for their link to mosquitoes. Another fun fact: Oropouche fever is named after the Oropouche River in Trinidad, where the virus was first discovered. So, as we navigate this newfound nuisance, remember to keep both your travel plans and your bug spray ready!