Explained: What is Sloth fever that is spreading in Europe and US, poses risk to pregnant women

Explained: What is Sloth fever that is spreading in Europe and US, poses risk to pregnant women

New Delhi: The United States and Europe are currently noticing a rise in a mysterious and deadly disease called ‘Sloth Fever’. The disease is mysterious because it currently does not have a known cure which is making it a significant threat. According to the latest reports, over 20 US travellers who are returning from Cuba have tested positive for the disease, informed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday.

Reports have stated that 19 cases have been recorded in Europe till now. The virus has been labelled as a ‘mysterious threat’ by the Lancet. According to some reports, the infection is similar to dengue which poses a significant risk to pregnant women. The officials have raised concern regarding the outbreak of the disease hence, understanding the nature of this fever, its causes and how it transmits is extremely imperative.

What is ‘Sloth Fever’?

Accoridng to WebMD, ‘Sloth Fever’ is also called Oropouche virus disease which is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus that’s spread mostly by insect bites from mosquitoes or midges that have fed on the blood of sloths, monkeys or birds. The virus is often seen as similar to malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses because these diseases have similar symptoms.

Risk factors of ‘Sloth Fever’

Reports note, currently the Oropouche virus is still present in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. So the risk factors for getting the Oropouche virus are being in areas where there is an active virus and being bitten by infected insects.

Symptoms of the virus

Oropouche virus symptoms are similar to other types of viruses such as dengue or Zika virus. The virus takes around 4 to 8 days for symptoms to show up. One of the first symptoms usually starts with sudden fever, ranging from 100 to 104 F (38 to 40 C)

Photophobia (eyes sensitive to light)
Double vision
Dizziness
Eye pain
Pain behind your eye
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
 According to the latest reports, over 20 US travellers who are returning from Cuba have tested positive for the disease, informed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday. Reports have stated that 19 cases have been recorded in Europe till now. The virus has been labelled as a ‘mysterious threat’ by the Lancet.  Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare