Mystery deadly virus spreading quietly is more dangerous than thought - and there's no vaccine
Oropouche virus is far more common and dangerous than previously believed, scientists have revealed.
The virus - which is also known as sloth fever - has soared across South America over the past 18 months, and it's recently been discovered in Europe for the first time, too. It's spread by midges and some types of mosquito, and it's largely contained the Amazon region.
Sloth fever was largely believed to be a mild infection, with general symptoms like headaches, rashes and nausea. But, it could also lead to pregnancy loss or birth defects, scientists warned.
More than 20,000 cases of oropouche virus have been reported in Latin America since late 2023, sparked by a warming climate and more frequent rain storms. Anyone living around the Amazon rainforest was most at risk of infection, with analysis showing up to 10% of all people had previously had sloth fever - whether they knew it or not.
'We therefore assume that the current oropouche outbreak has been fueled by weather phenomenons like El Niño,' explains Professor Jan Felix Drexler, head of the Virus Epidemiology laboratory at the Institute of Virology at Charité. El Niño describes a weather phenomenon that causes a higher-than-average sea surface temperature in the central Pacific Ocean.
'By contrast, we have not found evidence that changing properties of the virus could provide an alternative explanation for the high case count at present," he added
Professor Drexler also sent an ominous warning for the rest of the world, claiming the virus could spread even further outside the continent.
"I think it's possible that oropouche virus will become even more widespread in the future as climate change progresses."
Sloth fever was found in Europe for the very first time last year. It was confirmed in Italy, Spain and Germany. Spain reported 12 cases of oropouche in June and July of 2024. Italy had five cases, and Germany had two.
Eighteen of the 19 cases had a travel history to Cuba, and one had previously visited Brazil. It's not believed any of the cases were internally passed on in Europe, and they all picked up the virus outside the continent.
Oropouche was first discovered in 1955, in Trinidad and Tobago. It got its name after being found next to the Oropouche River. The virus has previously sparked outbreaks in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, and Peru over the past 25 years.
In June last year, Cuba reported its first case of the infection. Sloth fever symptoms tend to start somewhere between three and 10 days after infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There have been very few deaths among people infected with the virus, it added.
There's no current medication to treat oropouche, and there's no vaccination to protect against it. Anyone that's been diagnosed with the infection would be advised to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
There have been no confirmed cases of sloth fever in the UK, and the risk of it ever reaching Britain or Northern Ireland remains incredibly low. But, it's vital that everyone stays alert to the threat, and seeks medical attention if they think they could be at risk, health experts have claimed.
Dr Philip Veal, Travel Health Consultant at UKHSA, said: '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.
'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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Daily Mail
U.S. cases of chikungunya virus that paralyzes victims is on the rise as it sweeps through China
The number of cases of the debilitating chikungunya virus that's sweeping through China sees a surge in the U.S. CDC officials reported four more cases this week, bringing the total in the U.S. to 50 , all of which are in people who traveled to areas where it's more common, such as Asia and South America. It is unclear how many are linked to China's outbreak. The viral infection, spread by the Aedes mosquito, can cause sudden agonizing joint pain in the hands and feet that can be so severe that it leaves sufferers unable to move normally for months - and sometimes years. Chikungunya's tearing through China with over 10,000 cases, leaving the nation battling its largest outbreak ever. The outbreak prompted the CDC to issue a Level 2 travel warning for China, which urges Americans to take extra precautions when visiting the area. The notice also applies to Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand. Chikungunya's a 'nationally notifiable' condition in the U.S., meaning health authorities can voluntarily report cases to the agency for national tracking and monitoring. While a handful of cases pop up in the U.S. every year, from people traveling to high-risk areas, it hasn't experienced local transmission since 2019. However, with 1.6 million people traveling between the U.S. and China every year, mosquitoes in America could bite an infected traveler and begin transmitting the virus locally. Dr Louisa Messenger, a mosquito researcher in Nevada, said: 'This outbreak in China is very concerning. [The virus] could already be here in the U.S. and really it's just one plane flight away.' Along with the CDC, travel agencies and cruise lines also issued warnings about preventing mosquito-borne diseases, including chikungunya, dengue, and Lyme disease, all of which have been detected in the U.S. so far this year. Last month, Norwegian Cruise Line warned guests traveling to Italy this year to use insect repellent and wear clothing treated with permethrin to help repel ticks and mosquitoes. Aedes mosquitoes are common in Italy, especially around coastal areas. Authorities in Italy reported the first locally acquired cases of both dengue and chikungunya, prompting the warnings from Norwegian Cruise Line. About 15 to 35 per cent of people infected with the virus are asymptomatic, the CDC reports. The incubation period is typically three to seven days and the most common symptom is a sudden onset of a fever over 102F. Other symptoms of the virus include headache, nausea, rash, muscle aches, swelling and redness of the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye and inner eyelids), and joint pain that is sometimes severe and debilitating in the hands or feet. In severe cases, life-threatening complications involving the heart and brain can occur such as inflammation, irregular heartbeats, and organ failure. Symptoms usually last seven to ten days, but patients may experience lifelong complications such as persistent joint pain. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, and doctors mostly focus on easing symptoms with over-the-counter pain and fever medications. However, there are two vaccines available for people visiting an area with an outbreak. With the rise in the virus in China, mitigation efforts, including using drones to spray insecticide in mosquito-infested areas has led to a slow down in new cases, though over 1,000 were still recorded in the last week. According to the CDC, chikungunya was rarely detected in American travelers before 2006 but, between 2006 and 2013, the U.S. logged around 30 imported cases a year, all in those who had visited affected regions in Asia, Africa, or the Indian Ocean. In 2014, a total of 2,799 cases were reported - including 12 that were locally acquired - in states and territories such as Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, making it the country's worst year on record for the virus.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Warning signs to look out for as 'sloth virus' hits people in UK
Health officials have issued an urgent alert after 'sloth fever' - a tropical disease that can be fatal - was detected in Brits returning from one foreign country An urgent new health warning has been issued after a number of Brits were diagnosed with a tropical disease. 'Sloth fever' usually causes mild or moderate symptoms, however, for a few people it can be fatal. The alert was raised after the illness, also known as Oropouche virus (OROV), was diagnosed in three Brits who'd all recently returned from Brazil. Warning signs of 'sloth virus' have been detailed which include headache, joint pain and fever along with possible nausea, vomiting, and a rash. Other common symptoms include muscle aches and chills, feeling dizzy, sensitive to light or getting pain behind the eyes. The virus is known as 'sloth fever' due to it occurring in the species, but it's also prevalent in birds. The illness usually presents mild symptoms that disappear after a few days to a week, but occasionally the virus attacks the brain which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis. An estimated 4% of people infected will develop neurological conditions. The, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) released new figures on August 14 which revealed there have been three confirmed cases of the virus in Britain. All those with the virus had recently returned from travelling abroad to Brazil. There have been no fatal cases in the UK, but in Brazil so far this year five deaths have been recorded for 'sloth virus'. The tropical infection is spread via mosquitos and midges - and it can also be sexually transmitted, though no confirmed reports of sexual transmission are recorded. There is no cure or vaccine for the disease which is also understood to be risky for pregnant women with reported neurological complications and foetal complications being currently under investigation. The recent warning from officials cautioned pregnant women travelling to Central and South America - as it's understood that the virus has been potentially linked to miscarriage. The UKHSA statement said: 'If you're pregnant and considering travel to affected areas, it is important to discuss this with your GP or travel clinic before you go. 'While we are still learning about the risks of OROV during pregnancy, the potential for mother-to-child transmission—and impact on the foetus—means caution is necessary.' Up to 70 percent of patients experience a recurrence of the disease after the initial infection as the virus appears to present symptoms again in some people who were infected. Drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking paracetamol appear to help alleviate discomfort. If travelling, wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying DEET type insect repellents can help ward off midges and mosquitos. Air conditioning, window screens or bedding nets can also help to keep you safe from bites This year (2025) so far has recorded over 12,000 confirmed cases of the virus, with most being in Brazil or other areas of South America - which has recorded 11,888 of that total. However, America and Canada have both reported one case of the 'sloth virus' recently too.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
Warning as deadly ‘suitcase viruses' that destroy organs and trigger brain swelling spread across the UK and Europe
DEADLY viruses could be making their way to the UK on planes and in holidaymakers' suitcases, experts warn. They say international travel is fuelling a "concerning" rise in both chikungunya and oropouche, and the worst could be yet to come. 18 18 18 Simon Clarke, professor of cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, told The Sun: "As Brits develop more exotic tastes for travel to warmer places closer to the equator, we are increasingly likely to see unusual infections upon their return. "While oropouche is mainly found in the Amazon and chikungunya in sub-tropical regions, they are spreading. "Both have been detected in the United States and Europe, where sporadic outbreaks in France and Italy have occurred." Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, added: "There is a small risk of airport associated infections whereby infected mosquitoes arrive in the UK on board airplanes and then escape. "The spread of any infection into a previously unexposed population is always a matter for concern." Chikungunya is a virus spread by mosquito bites, the symptoms of which include a sudden fever and joint pain. Most people recover within two weeks, but the joint pain can last for months or even years, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In some cases, it is so bad it causes sufferers to "fold in half" or "become contorted" as they double over in agony. Serious complications are not common, but in rare cases the disease can cause organ damage and be fatal, particularly in very young or older people, or those with underlying health conditions. The latest report from the UKHSA shows there were 73 cases of chikungunya reported in England, primarily in London, between January and June 2025 - the highest number ever recorded. This compares to 27 cases for the same period last year. The majority were linked to travel to Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius. There is currently no risk of onward transmission of chikungunya, as the two species of mosquito that transmit the disease are not established in the UK. But experts fear cases could continue to rise with global travel and rising temperatures. Prof Clarke said: "Chikungunya is spread by mosquitoes, one of which, the tiger mosquito, has been detected in the South East of England. "It's worth emphasising the negative impact that global warming may have on a resilience to infections like this, which we've always taken for granted in the UK. "A warmer climate may mean that we have to take greater precautions at home against infections spread by insects." 18 Prof Hunter added: "We have seen local outbreaks of both dengue and chikungunya multiple times on the Mediterranean coasts of France, Italy and Spain over the past decade, and such events seem to be becoming more frequent. "Chikungunya outbreaks are less common than dengue, but when we do see them, they tend to be big, at least in Italy. "Both chikungunya and oropouche can occasionally be fatal. And the fact that locally-acquired infections are being reported from multiple locations this year is concerning. "There will be several more weeks before the mosquito season starts to tail off [so it could get worse]. "We will almost certainly see more cases in the UK, but at least for a few decades, these are all likely to have been acquired overseas." Chikungunya can be a nasty disease and we're seeing a worrying increase in cases among travellers returning to the UK Dr Philip VealUKHSA Chikungunya mainly occurs in Africa and southern Asia, although cases have been reported in Europe and parts of North America. This year, there have been outbreaks in the Americas and Asia, with surges on the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. More than 10,000 people have also been struck down in China since June 2025. The majority of cases have been reported in Foshan, a city in the southern Guangdong province, where officials have since rolled out Covid-style lockdowns and been spraying insecticides in a desperate bid to stop the virus from spiralling out of control. At least 12 other cities in the southern Guangdong province have also reported infections, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan. Since early 2025, there have been 240,000 cases and 90 deaths reported in 16 countries, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). 18 18 18 18 Two chikungunya vaccines are approved for use in the UK and are available to buy after an assessment at a private travel clinic. Travellers can stay safe by using insect repellent and covering their skin, especially at dawn and dusk. 'ESSENTIAL' PRECAUTIONS Dr Philip Veal, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: "Chikungunya can be a nasty disease and we're seeing a worrying increase in cases among travellers returning to the UK. "While this mosquito-borne infection is rarely fatal, it can cause severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light and skin rashes. "Thankfully symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but joint pain may last for months or longer. "It is essential to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling. "Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering up your skin and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets can greatly reduce the risk." 18 The UKHSA has also detected the first cases of oropouche in travellers coming to the UK from Brazil. The flu-like illness can cause a fever, headaches, joint pain, muscle pain, chills, nausea and vomiting. In serious cases, it can cause brain-swelling, specifically in the form of encephalitis and meningitis. Officials are urging anyone who becomes unwell after travel to affected areas, including parts of Central and South America and the Caribbean, to seek urgent medical advice. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), before late 2023, oropouche was mostly reported near the Amazon rainforest area. It was dubbed 'sloth fever' as it circulates between primates, sloths and birds before occasionally being passed to humans by midges and mosquitoes. In 2024, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Guyana, Peru and the Dominican Republic reported locally transmitted cases of the disease. Travel-related cases are now cropping up across Europe. Francois Balloux, professor of computational systems biology and director of the UCL Genetics Institute, specialising in infectious diseases, said: "There seems to have been a marked increase of both chikungunya and oropouche cases in the parts of the world where they're endemic. "It is obviously a problem as both are unpleasant viruses. "Neither could circulate in the UK as their vectors are absent, but travellers are being infected overseas and returning home. "The number of cases in the UK could go up or down in the future." 18 18 18 18 The first imported cases of oropouche were reported in Europe in June and July 2024. There were 12 in Spain, five in Italy and two in Germany. All had a history of travel to Cuba or Brazil. Direct human-to-human transmission of the virus has not been documented so far, according to the ECDC. The prognosis for recovery is good and "fatal outcomes are extremely rare". There are no vaccines to prevent or specific medication to treat oropouche. The UKHSA report also shows a rise in travel-associated cholera cases in the UK, with eight cases in the first half of the year compared to just one in 2024. Most cases were linked with travel to India and Ethiopia. There was also a 67 per cent decrease in the number of dengue cases reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from January to June, and there were just four cases of zika virus during the period, down from nine in 2024. Oropouche virus: Everything you need to know Oropouche is a disease caused by Oropouche virus. It is spread through the bites of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes. Symptoms ARE similar to dengue and include: a headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light. Severe cases may result in brain diseases such as meningitis. Symptoms typically start four to eight days after being bitten and last three to six days. Most people recover without long-term effects. There are no specific medications or vaccines available. Travellers heading to affected areas should take steps to avoid bug bites. The virus is endemic in many South American countries, in both rural and urban communities. Outbreaks are periodically reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago. Wear tops with long sleeves and long trousers, apply insect repellent regularly, and sleep under a mosquito net if you are not in enclosed, air-conditioned accommodation. Source: US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention 18 18 18 18
