What Is Oropouche Virus? (Sloth Fever)
Mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs can carry and transmit diseases to humans and pets. This isn't to scare you, but if you didn't know that before, it's best you know that now. Knowing is the first step in preventing, protecting and treating yourself, your family or your pet if they do happen to get sick from a bug bite.
While there are some you have probably heard of, like West Nile virus or Yellow Fever, there are some you might not be so familiar with. One of those illnesses mosquitoes can carry and transmit to humans is called Oropouche. More easily known as Sloth Fever, this hasn't been an issue in the United States, but it could be in the future. Here is what you need to know about Sloth Fever to better prepare against this infection.
Sloth Fever
Yes, Oropouche got its nickname from that adorable creature with the quickness of a toddler wanting to put shoes on when you want them to put them on. Found in sloths, this illness was first detected in tropical areas, especially where forests were nearby. The initial case was reported back in 1955, and since then, over 500,000 cases have been documented.
The virus can be transmitted mostly by midges, but some mosquitoes can also carry this one along. Birds and other primates can carry this virus, but sloths are a natural carrier.
Where Sloth Fever Is Found
With more than 8,000 cases confirmed in places like Columbia, Peru, Cuba, Bolivia and Brazil, those in the United States haven't had a need to be too familiar with this virus. But it is coming. The U.S. has reported 74 cases of the virus in the last year, with 70 of those coming from Florida alone. At least 21 of those cases have been from U.S. travelers coming back from a trip to Cuba.
The Federal Health Department wants U.S. citizens, especially those in Florida, to be aware of Sloth Fever, as it seems to be traveling up from South America. If you go to any of these places, you need to take measures against mosquitoes and midge bites, and if you know of anyone coming back from South America or Cuba, watch for symptoms.
Sloth Fever Symptoms
The initial symptoms of this virus are in line with a lot of the others you can get from a bug bite.
- Joint aches
- Sensitivity to light
- Headaches
- Fever
- Body chills
More Severe Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Uncontrollable movements, especially in the eye area
How Sloth Fever is Spread
Like other illnesses and viruses, diseases transmitted through bugs, you have to be bitten by a midge or mosquito that is infected with Sloth Fever. Since you never know which bug is carrying which illness, prevention is key in making sure you don't get this - or any other disease - from a mosquito or bug bite.
How Long Sloth Fever Stays in Your System
For most people, Oropouche goes through your system in about nine days max, with some people recovering in as few as six days. Taking the time to acknowledge you are sick and taking measures immediately could lessen the length of time you have the illness.
How to Treat Sloth Fever
Treating Oropouche isn't too different than resting from other illnesses or sicknesses. The main ingredient in recovery is getting plenty of rest so your body can do its thing in naturally kicking out the virus.
To aid in this, plenty of fluids and pain relief as needed are helpful. There's nothing against putting on your comfort show with your favorite soup to see if that moves things along.
Who Should Avoid Getting It
Like with most illnesses, the elderly, immunocompromised, young and pregnant women should take extra precautions against getting Sloth Fever. Pregnant women especially, as they could pass the virus to the fetus, which could cause developmental abnormalities and complications.
How to Protect Against Sloth Fever
Protecting yourself and your family against this virus means keeping the mosquitoes and midges away. Though it hasn't taken over the United States and cases are minimal and mostly limited to Florida, as Florida is one of the worst states for mosquitoes, it could be a matter of time before Sloth Fever is as common as the others.
When you travel, check the area for what diseases and viruses are active and get any vaccinations you can. When you come home, monitor your body and how you feel for about a week after to be safe. At home, all regular mosquito and midge preventative measures should be in place.
- Keep your yard tidy and mowed
- Trim trees and other greenery regularly
- Keep all elements in your yard dry
- Dump and standing water, no matter how small, after every rainfall or storm
- Keep all play and yard equipment away from the edge of your yard
- Check your home for cracks and holes around all entryways like doors and windows, and make sure screens are free from tears
- Wear loose, long clothing when you go outside
- Wear bug spray with DEET, especially when going on walks near woods or water
Call in the Professionals
If you are worried about Sloth Fever or any of the viruses that can be transmitted by flying insects, you can always call in the professionals. Your local caring and knowledgeable MosquitoNix team can evaluate your property or business for free and come up with a plan of action to keep mosquitoes, flies, no-see-ums and other pests away from your property.
While Sloth Fever sounds like a cute little virus, it can still take you out of commission for over a week if you catch it. With the chance of cases in the U.S. rising, it's best to know about this virus now rather than being surprised by it later. To protect yourself against all diseases flying insects and other bugs can carry, follow the tips to keep yourself and your yard safe, and don't be afraid to call in the professionals (like MosquitoNix) when you need to.
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