Europe has for the first time detected cases of ‘sloth fever’, a viral infection also known as oropouche, with reports coming in from Italy, Spain, and Germany. Most individuals diagnosed had a travel history to Cuba.
Although there have been no confirmed cases in the UK as yet, health officials are cautioning Brits to stay alert. Symptoms said to be indicative of sloth fever range from headaches and fevers to persistent body pains.
A pharmacist has suggested that those afflicted by an oropouche infection would likely exhibit several symptoms, including perhaps a sudden high fever which is amongst the most typical manifestations of the illness.
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“One of the most common signs of the infection is a sudden high fever,” Carolina Goncalves, Pharmica’s superintendent pharmacist, informed the Mirror. She explained that the virus could elevate a person’s temperature ranging from 36.5C to 38C.
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Goncalves further described how “Oropouche fever can also cause severe headaches affecting the forehead, temples and the back of the neck as a result of the meninges [the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord] becoming inflamed.”
Moreover, she discussed the body’s reaction: “Oropouche fever triggers a strong immune response, causing the body to release cytokines and other inflammatory mediators that can cause muscular and joint inflammation. This results in body aches and joint pain.”
In fewer cases, patients may experience chills, which can vary in severity with the infection, Goncalves noted, further emphasizing the unpredictable nature of this ailment.
Sloth fever could also cause dizziness and sensitivity to sensory stimuli. The dizziness is likely due to dehydration, while patients have reported an increased sensitivity to light.
“In rare cases, Oropouche fever can lead to meningitis, characterised by neck stiffness, severe headache, and sensitivity to light,” explained Ms Goncalves.
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There have been no confirmed cases of sloth fever in the UK, and the risk of it ever reaching Britain or Northern Ireland is incredibly low.
Oropouche was first identified in 1955, in Trinidad and Tobago. It was named after the Oropouche River, where it was discovered.
Spain, Italy, and Germany have reported a total of 19 cases of the fever, with the majority linked to travel to Cuba, according to recent health updates.
Dr Philip Veal, Travel Health Consultant at UKHSA, advised: “The midge that carries Oropouche virus is not currently established in Europe. It is typically found in the Americas. There is no evidence that the virus can spread from person to person.”
He further recommended: “When travelling to affected areas, you can avoid the infection, and others such as dengue, Zika and malaria, by preventing insect bites.
“Use insect repellent, cover exposed skin and sleep under a treated bed net. Plan ahead and visit the TravelHealthPro website to look up your destination and the latest health information and advice, particularly if you are pregnant.”
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