NEW YORK (AP) — Federal health officials reported on Tuesday that over 20 people have become infected with a virus that is spread by insects after returning to the U.S. from Cuba in recent months. All of these individuals were diagnosed with Oropouche virus disease, which is sometimes referred to as sloth fever.
Fortunately, none of those infected have died, and there’s currently no evidence that the virus is spreading within the United States. However, health officials are advising U.S. doctors to monitor travelers returning from Cuba and South America for potential signs of this virus.
Here’s what you need to know about the disease and why these warnings have been issued:
What is Oropouche virus?
The Oropouche virus is primarily found in forested, tropical regions. It was first identified in 1955 in a 24-year-old forestry worker on Trinidad, named after a nearby village and wetland area.
It is commonly called sloth fever because it was initially discovered in a three-toed sloth. Researchers believe that these animals may play a significant role in the spread of the virus between insects and other wildlife.
How does Oropouche virus spread?
This virus is transmitted to humans through the bites of small flying insects known as midges, as well as certain types of mosquitoes. Individuals have contracted the virus while visiting forested regions. Although humans can help carry the virus to urban areas, there have been no confirmed instances of person-to-person transmission.
How many cases have there been?
Since late last year, large outbreaks of the virus have been reported in various parts of the Amazon, as well as in new areas in South America and the Caribbean. Approximately 8,000 local cases have been documented in countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru.
In the U.S., a total of 21 cases have been reported so far, with 20 in Florida and one in New York, all linked to recent travel to Cuba. European health officials have identified 19 cases as well, predominantly among travelers.
What are the symptoms and treatments?
Symptoms of Oropouche virus can resemble those of other tropical diseases, such as dengue, Zika, or malaria. Common symptoms include fever, headaches, and muscle pain, while some people may also experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or a rash.
Some individuals may experience recurring symptoms, and about 5% can develop more severe issues, such as bleeding, meningitis, and encephalitis. The illness is rarely fatal; however, there have been recent reports of fatalities in two healthy young individuals in Brazil.
Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent the virus, nor are there medications to treat its symptoms.
Are there other concerns?
In Brazil, health officials are investigating reports suggesting that the virus may be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus, raising similar concerns to those during past Zika outbreaks nearly ten years ago.
The CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid non-essential travel to Cuba. They also advise all travelers to take precautions against bug bites, which can include using insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. All content is solely responsibility of the AP.
