Latest news with #Oropouchevirus
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Deadly ‘sloth virus' detected in UK for first time as health watchdog issues urgent warning
A deadly malaria-like 'sloth virus' has been detected in Britain for the first time, triggering a warning from the UK 's health watchdog to those with symptoms to seek urgent medical help. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data has revealed there were three cases of Oropouche virus reported in Britain between January and June this year. The tropical disease is usually found in South America and can cause fevers, headaches, pain behind the eyes, and in rare instances lead to meningitis and death, the watchdog warned. 'If a person becomes unwell with symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache, joint pain and muscle aches following travel to affected areas, they should seek urgent medical advice,' the UKHSA warned. All three cases were people who had returned to the UK after travelling abroad to Brazil after a surge of virus infections across the region. The lesser-known infection is spread through bites from small midges and some mosquitos, and can also be transmitted through sexual activity. It is also feared the disease can be spread from mothers to babies during pregnancy, which can cause congenital or developmental abnormalities, according to the watchdog. Symptoms usually show up four to eight days after being bitten and can last up to a week, but in nearly two thirds of cases they can return days or weeks later. The onset of the illness is sudden and can include joint pain, muscle aches, dizziness, rashes, nausea and vomiting, chills and sensitivity to light. The first ever deaths linked to the virus were reported in Brazil in July 2024, where two people died from the disease. There is no cure, but there are preventative measures travellers can take like wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent to ward off midges. These insect repellents need to be 50 per cent DEET—the active ingredient which repels pests like midges and mosquitos. Other measures include staying in places with air conditioning or window screens with fine mesh to keep out midges and using insecticide-treated fine mesh bed nets. So far this year, globally, there have been over 12,000 confirmed cases of the virus, with the majority (11,888) in Brazil. The disease was first discovered in the 1950s in Trinidad and Tobago, and is endemic to the Amazon region according to the UKHSA. Since then, it has been found in countries across Central and South America, including Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, and Panama. In 2024 a number of outbreaks occurred in these countries, as well as in Cuba and Barbados. In 2025, cases were identified in Venezuela for the first time. Signs and symptoms of Oropouche virus disease fever headache joint pain muscle aches chills nausea and vomiting rash sensitivity to light dizziness pain behind the eyes
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Alert issued by health chiefs after oropouche virus is detected in three Britons, these are the warning signs of 'sloth fever'
Health chiefs have issued an urgent warning after three people in the UK were diagnosed with 'sloth fever'—a tropical disease typically only found in Brazil. The illness also known as the Oropouche virus (OROV), usually causes mild symptoms that disappear after less than a week. Signs you may be infected include a fever, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, a rash, dizziness, sensitivity to light, and pain behind the eyes. However, occasionally the virus can attack the brain leading to meningitis or encephalitis, which can prove fatal. But fortunately, these neurological symptoms only occur in about four per cent of infected patients. It is sometimes known as 'sloth fever' because it naturally occurs in sloths, as well as primates and birds. New figures released yesterday by UKHSA revealed there have been three cases of the virus in Britain, but no deaths so far. All three of the cases were in people who had returned to the UK after travelling abroad to Brazil. The lesser-known tropical infection is spread through bites from small midges and some mosquitos. While it can also be sexually transmitted, there have been no reports of transmission through sexual activity to date. There is no cure, with about 60 to 70 percent of patients experiencing a recurrence of the disease a few days to months after the initial infection. However, the symptoms can be managed by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking paracetamol or other over-the counter medications. There is no vaccine but there are preventative measures travellers can take like wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent to ward off midges. These insect repellents need to be 50 per cent DEET—the active ingredient which repels pests like midges and mosquitos. Other measures include staying in places with air conditioning or window screens with fine mesh to keep out midges and using insecticide-treated fine mesh bed nets. The first reported deaths from the illness which has been around since the 1950s were two women in Brazil last year. So far this year, globally, there have been over 12,000 confirmed cases of the virus, with the majority (11,888) in the country where the women died. It has also spread to other areas of South America, as well as America and Canada who have both reported one case. Since the start of the year there have sadly been five deaths which have also taken place in Brazil. They have also reported neurological complications and foetal complications which are under investigation. In their recent warning, officials urged caution to pregnant women travelling to Central and South America that the virus has been linked to miscarriages. '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,' said UKHSA.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
The 10 signs of ‘brain swelling' sloth fever which could be spread by sex after cases spotted in UK for the first time
THE UK has reported its first-ever cases of flu-like 'sloth fever'. Three people tested positive for the disease, officially called Oropouche virus, between January and June 2025, new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says. 4 The little-known virus, spread to humans by mosquitoes and biting midges - unlike the name suggests - was also reported in Europe last summer for the first time after it started spreading rapidly in Latin America. Historically, Oropouche was confined to within the Amazon basin in South America, including Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, and Panama. In 2024, outbreaks also appeared in these regions as well as in Cuba and Barbados, the likely source of some of the 19 cases of sloth fever reported in Europe last year. The first cases of the oropouche in the UK were all linked to travel from Brazil, the UKHSA said. The bug typically circulates between primates, including sloths - hence the nickname - before it is occasionally passed to humans by the critters. Mosquitos and midges found in the UK and wider Europe do not currently spread Oropouche virus disease. Until last year, experts didn't think the virus could spread from person to person. But a study published by Italian scientists in December suggested it could spread in semen, sparking concerns about possible sexual transmission. Scientists are currently investigating whether the infection can be passed on from mothers to babies during pregnancy, after the virus was linked to stillbirths and birth defects. For most people, Oropouche infections are mild, with symptoms typically showing up 4 to 8 days after a bite. I tried the best ways to stop mosquitoes on your summer hols - from sprays, patches & bracelets, one was a dud and stank These can include: Fever Headache Joint pain Muscle aches Chills Nausea and vomiting Rash Sensitivity to light Dizziness Pain behind the eyes UKHSA chiefs have urged anyone who becomes unwell with these symptoms after travel to affected areas. Symptoms typically last less than a week but can occasionally reoccur. In severe cases, the virus can also attack the brain leading to meningitis or encephalitis, which can be fatal. 4 4 It is estimated that fewer than four per cent of patients will develop neurological symptoms. The first ever deaths linked to the virus were reported in Brazil in July 2024, where, sadly, two people died. There are currently no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines available. Treatment for symptoms can include rest, fluids, and the use of medicines to reduce pain and fever. The 6 things all travellers must do to protect themselves from 'sloth virus' Dubbed a "mysterious threat But it is transmitted by biting midges and mosquitoes that have fed on sloth, monkey or bird blood, so avoiding bites can help keep you safe. There are also five other steps you can take to protect yourself. 1. Prevent bites The number one thing you can do to protect yourself from Oropouche, as well as dengue fever, Zika and other viruses transmitted by insects, is preventing bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers, and staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens and/or mosquito nets. Avoiding strong perfumes, soaps, shampoos and deodorants can also help, the NHS says. 2. Time it right Anyone who has been to areas where Oropouche is present should continue to prevent insect bites for three weeks after travel, the CDC warns. "This is to mitigate additional spread of the virus and potential importation into unaffected areas," it adds. 3. Know the signs Another major line of defence is being aware of the most common symptoms of Oropouche. The CDC says these are a fever and headache, which usually begin three to 10 days after being bitten by an infected bug. Other potential signs include muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills and sensitivity to light. "Most people infected with Oropouche feel better within a week, but symptoms often come back," the CDC adds. 4. Seek medical help According to the CDC, travellers to areas with Oropouche transmission, including South America or the Caribbean, who develop a fever, chills, headache, joint pain or muscle pain during or within two weeks after travel should: Seek medical care and tell their healthcare provider when and where they travelled Not take aspirin or other NSAIDS (e.g. ibuprofen) to reduce the risk of bleeding Continue to prevent insect bites during the first week of illness to avoid further spread, especially in areas where mosquitoes or biting midges are active 5. Plan ahead Before jetting off, pregnant holidaymakers should discuss travel plans with their GP, CDC guidance states. This should include their reason for travel, how to prevent insect bites, and all potential risks associated with travel. The dangers of Oropouche during pregnancy are unknown, but experts say it acts similarly to Zika, which can be passed to unborn babies and cause miscarriages, stillbirths, birth defects, seizures, vision problems and hearing loss. 6. Avoid non-essential travel Finally, if you are pregnant, you should reconsider non-essential travel to Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba, the CDC says. "If travel is unavoidable, pregnant travellers should strictly follow Oropouche virus prevention recommendations to prevent insect bites during travel," it adds.
CBS News
08-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Placer County targets biting flies amid virus concerns
They're so small they're called "no-see-ums," but these tiny biting flies are getting big attention from local scientists and for good reason. The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District is working alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to trap and study a species of biting fly that could pose a public health risk. Known as biting midges or gnats, these insects have the potential to carry and transmit Oropouche virus, a disease that's been spreading rapidly in parts of the Caribbean, South America, and even Europe. "The biting flies we're talking about are very, very small and like mosquitoes, they can carry diseases," said Joel Buettner, General Manager of the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District. "That's why we're interested in them." Oropouche virus has so far remained outside the United States. But experts are concerned that if it ever reaches California, understanding the local species of biting flies and whether they can transmit the virus will be critical to preventing an outbreak. To get ahead of the risk, the district is using specially modified light traps to capture flies across Placer County. The traps attract the flies with a light source, then funnel them down into a vial that's taken back to the lab for analysis. "We look for specific body shapes, wing patterns, and those piercing mouth parts that allow them to bite," said vector control technician Melissa Cooke. Each captured insect is examined under a microscope to determine if it belongs to the species capable of spreading disease. The research is part of a broader surveillance project in collaboration with the American Mosquito Control Association, running through the summer. Scientists hope it will give them a clearer picture of the biting fly population in Placer County and the potential threat they may pose. In the meantime, officials say residents can take simple steps to protect themselves: wear EPA-registered insect repellent, especially in the early morning or evening when biting flies are most active. "It's really about being prepared," Buettner added. "The work we're doing now helps ensure we're ready if Oropouche virus ever makes its way to California."
