‘Sloth fever’ detected in New York, state warns

August 28, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Share this:

NATIONWIDE — THE STATE HEALTH Department last week confirmed the detection of one case of illness caused by the dangerous Oropouche virus, also known as “sloth fever,” reports NBC News. The CDC earlier this month issued an alert warning of an increase in cases of the disease, which is spread by mosquitoes and biting flies, with nine new cases detected in Florida travelers in one week. The virus is originally endemic to the Amazon basin, where it is transmitted between sloths and other animals and insects, but in a new outbreak, it has begun to spread to regions elsewhere in South America and the Caribbean. Health officials estimate that around 60% of people infected with the virus become symptomatic, with common symptoms including fever, chills and head and body aches and, less commonly, progresses to meningitis and encephalitis. Brazil recorded the first two deaths thought to be caused by Oropouche, as well as five cases in pregnant women linked to fetal deaths or congenital abnormalities.

There are no vaccines against the virus, and testing is not widely available, according to the state. Officials advise the use of insect repellents, and have warned that those who are elderly, pregnant or who have other health conditions should reconsider travel to areas affected by the current outbreak, including Brazil and Cuba.

✰✰✰