What to know as deadly 'sloth virus' detected in UK for first time
A tropical virus nicknamed "sloth fever" has been detected in the UK for the first time, after three travellers returning from Brazil tested positive.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the cases and has issued fresh advice for anyone heading to Central and South America, where outbreaks have been spreading rapidly.
While the Oropouche virus is not spread by insects in the UK, officials warn its arrival highlights how climate change, urbanisation and global travel are fuelling the rise of insect-borne diseases.
So what exactly is Oropouche, how do you catch it, and what can you do to stay safe?
What is the Oropouche virus and how do you catch it?
According to UKHSA, the Oropouche virus disease (OROV) is mainly spread by the bite of a biting midge, which is most active around dawn and dusk.
In some areas, mosquitoes have also been found to carry the virus, but midges remain the primary culprit.
The virus circulates in nature through animals like sloths, primates and birds – which is why it's sometimes nicknamed 'sloth fever.'
UKHSA also notes that researchers are investigating other possible transmission routes. It may be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, and the virus has recently been detected in semen, meaning advice around sexual health precautions could be needed in certain cases.
Where has Oropouche virus been reported?
Oropouche virus was first identified in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1950s and is now established in the Amazon basin.
UKHSA says outbreaks have been recorded across Central and South America, including Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia and Panama, as well as on Caribbean islands such as Cuba and Barbados. In 2025, Venezuela also confirmed its first cases.
The agency stresses that while cases have now been detected in UK travellers, there is no evidence midges here can spread the virus.
What are the symptoms of Oropouche virus?
Symptoms typically start four to eight days after a bite. UKHSA lists the most common as:
Fever
Headache
Muscle and joint pain
Chills
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
Rash
Dizziness
Sensitivity to light
Pain behind the eyes
Most people recover within a week, but UKHSA says around 60% experience relapses. In rare cases, the disease can lead to more serious complications such as meningitis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), Guillain-Barré syndrome and death.
Brazil reported the first deaths linked to the virus in 2024.
How is Oropouche virus treated?
"There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Oropouche virus disease," UKHSA explains. Instead, care is supportive – rest, fluids and over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol for fever and pain.
Anyone with severe symptoms, particularly signs like confusion, stiff neck or an intense headache, should seek medical attention straight away.
How can you protect yourself from Oropouche virus?
With no vaccine available, prevention is all about avoiding bites. UKHSA advises:
Use insect repellent containing at least 50% DEET
Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk
Stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation
Sleep under a fine-mesh insecticide-treated bed net (standard nets may not stop midges) if accommodation is not screened
Use insecticides indoors and outdoors if needed
Remove standing water where insects can breed
What should pregnant travellers know?
UKHSA says pregnant women should take extra care if travelling to affected countries. Research is ongoing, but there is evidence the virus could be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.
Travellers who are pregnant are advised to speak to their GP or a travel clinic before leaving the UK.
What does this mean for UK travel?
According to UKHSA, Oropouche is one of several insect-borne viruses spreading into new areas, driven by climate change, rapid urbanisation and increased global travel.
The agency recommends visiting a travel health clinic four to six weeks before travelling for the latest advice, and reminding your doctor of your travel history if you develop symptoms after returning home.
Read more on viruses:
What we know about the chikungunya virus, as UK issues warning to travellers (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
What are the symptoms of the new Stratus COVID variant? (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read)
What are the symptoms of the Nimbus COVID variant? (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read)
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