A debilitating virus originally found in sloths has arrived in Europe, with a dozen cases detected in Spain and suspicions that many more cases have gone undetected.
It has generated media headlines warning of the “terrifying” and “deadly” disease caused by the virus which has been dubbed ‘Sloth Fever’. But what exactly do we know about it?
What is ‘Sloth Fever’?
It is a flu-like illness caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV) which has its origins in pale-throated tree-dwelling sloths, non-human primates and birds.
Transmitted to humans through insect bites, including midges and mosquitoes, it causes a Zika-like illness.
Cases of the disease, native to South America, have been reported in Europe for the first time, with people in Spain, Italy and Germany recently infected.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 19 cases of the virus were detected in travellers returning from Cuba or Brazil in June and July.
Is ‘Sloth Fever’ deadly?
Two young women under the age of 30 have reportedly died after being infected with the virus in Brazil.
However, according to the country’s health ministry, they both had pre-existing health conditions.
Most people recover with no lasting effects, but there are fears the virus could be dangerous to unborn babies.
The ECDC says the prognosis for recovery is good and it insists fatal outcomes are extremely rare.
But little is known about the emerging disease.
Researchers in the Lancet journal have described the virus a “mysterious threat” and warned that “a notable increase” in cases over the past seven decades highlights “a growing public health concern”.
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What are the symptoms of ‘Sloth Fever’?
Unsurprisingly, given the nickname, symptoms typically begin with a fever four to eight days after infection.
Other signs of the disease include headache, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea and vomiting.
Those infected may also experience chills and increased sensitivity to light.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), severe cases may result in neuroinvasive disease such as meningitis.
An alert was given by the UN last month about possible negative health effects to unborn babies if the mother contracts the disease while pregnant.
Potential cases of pregnant mother-to-child transmission in Brazil are being investigated amidst fears it couldpotentially cause stillbirth, miscarriage or deformities in the foetus.
Is there a cure for ‘Sloth Fever’?
There is no known vaccine or cure for the disease and no specific medicine available to treat it.
Symptoms usually last between three to six days.
Typical prevention methods, such as the use of nets to sleep under, could be ineffective due to the tiny size of midges.
There is no known case of human-to-human transmission, but the rapid increase in cases is causing concern.
Should we be worried about ‘Sloth Fever’?
Yes and no. The Public Health Agency has confirmed that no cases have been reported in Northern Ireland.
But some experts have warned that the spread of the virus could become “unstoppable”.
Dr Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, has advised expectant mothers “against non-essential travel to infected areas”.
He also said he is “almost certain” there are more infections in Europe that have not yet been detected and reported.
Dr Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London, said there is “a real need for vigilance” among tourists as the virus was “taking off this summer in the Americas”.
The expert warned that southern Europe and North America could be much more at risk from diseases including Sloth Fever and Zika as a result of global warming, which allows midges and mosquitoes to expand the geographical areas where they can thrive.