Everything To Know About Oropouche Virus Detected In US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States said on Tuesday that 21 cases of the insect-borne Oropouche virus disease have been identified in US travelers who recently traveled to Cuba. The virus, also known as sloth fever, is spread to humans by small biting flies called midges and by certain types of mosquitoes.

The virus was first detected in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. According to NBC News, the disease has also been called sloth fever because scientists first investigating the virus found it in a three-toed sloth. Common symptoms of Oropouche include headaches, fever, muscle aches, and joint pain. Some patients may suffer recurring symptoms, and 1 in 20 can suffer more severe symptoms, including bleeding and meningitis. 

Multiple reports indicate that currently there are no vaccines to prevent infections and no medicines available to treat the symptoms. Axios, citing the CDC report, mentioned that over 8,000 cases of Oropouche have been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba from January 1 to August 1. It is to be noted that fatalities are rare, but two patients have died in the latest outbreak. Humans reportedly have become infected while visiting forested areas. At the same time, person-to-person transmission has not been documented. 

Earlier this month, the CDC issued a health alert to notify civilians and healthcare authorities about the increase in the virus disease in the American region. The CDC mentioned in its advisory that pregnant people should reconsider non-essential travel to Cuba due to cases of Oropouche. The US health agency also suggested travelers to Cuba to take steps to prevent bug bites during travel to protect themselves from infection.