What is sloth fever, a viral disease now occurring in the US? Symptoms, prevention and how to catch it

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a health warning regarding arrival in the United States: Oropouche virus diseasealso known as “Laziness fever”.

The New York State Department of Health has reported a case in the state, while Nine travel-related cases were recently reported in Florida within a week.

Despite the disease’s nickname, it is is not transmitted through direct contact with sloths. The colloquial term arose because the virus was found in areas where these animals live. Sloths are known to carry parasites and bacterial infections, and they have also been found to be regularly infected with the virus.

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What is sloth fever, a viral disease now occurring in the US? Symptoms, prevention and how to catch it

Oropouche is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus which is transmitted to humans mainly through the bite of infected small flying insects, so-called mosquitoesbut according to the CDC, possibly also from mosquitoes and other insects.

The virus normally occurs in Central and South Americaparticularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In the past, it has caused numerous outbreaks, particularly in the Amazon basin.

The Oropouche virus can be transmitted from humans to insects and then to other humans. According to the CDC, most infected people Develop symptoms.

What are the symptoms of laziness or oropouche fever?

The disease causes flu-like symptoms, including the following:

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The symptoms usually last two to seven daysand while the disease rarely leads to deathit can be very debilitating. In some cases, patients a relapse of symptoms after they have initially recovered.

How to prevent laziness or oropouche fever

The best way to protect yourself and your family from Oropouche is Prevents bites from midges, mosquitoes and other insects.

This includes Control of insect populations and avoid bites by using Insect repellents, insecticide-treated nets and protective clothingThere is currently no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for the disease.

The CDC advises people who Symptoms occur and were recently in an area where an outbreak of sloth fever consult a doctor and inform him or her about your travel history.