Latest news with #SlothFever
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What to know as deadly 'sloth virus' detected in UK for first time
Three UK travellers have tested positive for Oropouche virus, also known as 'sloth fever.' Here's what health officials want you to know. 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)
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
What is the latest travel advice for Oropouche virus? Tips for staying safe abroad
UK health officials have warned travellers returning from areas affected by the Oropouche virus to seek 'urgent medical advice' if they experience symptoms of the disease. On 14 August, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported three imported Oropouche cases were confirmed in British residents who had visited Brazil earlier this year. The 'sloth fever' vector-borne virus – spread by insects – naturally occurs in sloths, primates and birds. In July 2024, Brazil reported the first two deaths linked to the Oropouche virus. All three cases in the UK were detected in people who had travelled to Brazil after a surge of virus infections across the region last year. Here's everything holidaymakers need to know to stay safe from Oropouche while travelling. Oropouche virus is an illness that typically causes fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, nausea, and vomiting in humans. The tropical infection spreads through insect bites from midges and certain mosquitoes, and may also be transmitted through sexual contact. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of Oropouche usually appear four to eight days after a bite, but in some cases return weeks later. These include: fever headache joint pain muscle aches chills nausea and vomiting rash sensitivity to light dizziness pain behind the eyes More serious conditions, such as meningitis and brain inflammation, can occur in some cases. Where is Oropouche most common? First found in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1950s, the Oropouche virus has been seen in countries across Central and South America. There has been a rise in infections globally since 2024, with Brazil reporting the largest outbreaks. So far this year, globally, there have been over 12,000 confirmed cases of the virus, with the majority (11,888) in the South American country. As of 2025, travel-related cases have been identified in the UK for the first time, with three cases of Oropouche virus reported in Britain between January and June this year. Can I get an Oropouche vaccine? There is no vaccine currently available for Oropouche virus; however, travellers can take the usual package of precautions to avoid insect bites. If infected, symptoms can be managed with rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain medication. For more severe symptoms, including confusion and neck stiffness, seek medical attention as soon as possible. How can travellers protect themselves against Oropouche? Travellers are at the highest risk of infection if bitten by a midge: bugs that are most active after sunrise and before sunset. People should use insect repellent, wear long clothing, sleep with mesh insect nets and spray chemical insecticides to deter midges, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Pregnant travellers should be particularly cautious in affected areas due to the potential for the virus to be transmitted from mother to child. UKHSA advise visiting a travel health clinic at your GP practice or local pharmacy four to six weeks before you travel to help protect your health. What do the experts say? Dr Richard Dawood, medical director and specialist in travel medicine at Fleet Street Clinic, told The Independent: 'You are most at risk when you are travelling to an area with an active outbreak. At the moment, that's much of South America. 'In terms of what travellers can do to prevent it, general insect precautions apply – permethrin repellent and light, long clothing will protect the covered-up areas as midges cannot bite through them.'
