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What is the Oropouche Virus, or 'Sloth Fever'?

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Although the Oropouche (pronounced: o-roh-push) virus isn’t new to the medical community, lately, it’s been catching the media's attention. Some health authorities have recently issued travel warnings for countries experiencing outbreaks. Pregnant travellers, in particular, are urged to reconsider non-essential trips to Cuba, where a surge in cases has affected most of the country.

If this feels reminiscent of nearly a decade ago when Zika was declared a public health emergency, you’re not far off. So far, there have only been a few reports of the Oropouche virus being linked to birth defects. Nevertheless, even a few cases are concerning, as no one wants a repeat of the 2015-16 Zika outbreak in Brazil that spread throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. That outbreak resulted in a significant number of babies born with microcephaly (a birth defect comprising a small head and abnormal brain development).

In 1955, the Oropouche virus was first detected in a Trinidadian forest worker near the village of Vega de Oropouche, hence the name. It is established in the tropical areas of Central and South America, particularly around the Amazon River basin, and in the Caribbean. The virus circulates in the jungle and there is evidence that other animal hosts include nonhuman primates, birds, and also sloths. At some point after being identified, it became colloquially known as ‘sloth fever’. 

While sloths may appear endearing and gentle, the Oropouche virus is anything but. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, what sets Oropouche apart from mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika and dengue is its tendency for recurring symptoms. Otherwise, the symptoms of Oropouche are very similar to other viral diseases spread through insect bites: fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, and muscle weakness. 

Unlike Zika and dengue, which are spread via mosquito bites, the midge is the primary insect responsible for transmitting Oropouche fever. Midges are small flies, about the size of a pinhead, found near lakes and ponds. Luckily, most methods for preventing mosquito bites also prevent midge bites. 

Make sure the insect repellent you buy mentions any of these words on the label: flies, biting flies, Culicoides, biting midges, punkies, granny nippers, and no-see-ums. Insect screens are useful but need a smaller mesh than standard mosquito nets. So far, there is no vaccine against Oropouche.

So, What Are the Global Risks of Oropouche?

Two major concerns are currently driving the heightened attention on the Oropouche virus. First is its potential to cause severe outcomes. Along with the few reports of birth defects related to infected pregnant people transmitting the virus to the foetus, the first confirmed Oropouche fatalities were announced. In July, Brazil documented two patients in their 20s infected with Oropouche who, though they were previously healthy, died with a clinical picture reminiscent of severe dengue. Second is its recent geographic expansion, not only to new areas in the Americas but also to Europe and the US, increasing the risk of a global outbreak. 

As Oropouche continues to circulate, it’s possible that people may be re-infected. A known risk with dengue fever is for people infected a second time to suffer a more severe illness. It isn’t known if the recent fatalities in Brazil are linked to secondary infections, but the comparison to dengue and Zika is driving a lot of research in Oropouche right now. 

As the Oropouche outbreak continues, there are several concerning signs to watch for. Increased reports of poor pregnancy outcomes and more fatalities could indicate a growing threat. There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for the Oropouche virus, but research is underway. 

People who work or live in forests in Central and South America and the Caribbean are most at risk. However, an increasing number of travellers are being infected. It’s crucial to stay updated on travel advisories and consult your doctor if you plan to travel to affected areas, especially if you are pregnant. If you decide to travel, ensure you take steps to prevent insect bites to reduce the risk of infection. 

How International SOS Can Help

At International SOS, our unparalleled expertise in handling outbreaks is a cornerstone of our commitment to global health security. Our pandemic preparedness strategies are meticulously designed, leveraging cutting-edge intelligence and real-time information to anticipate and mitigate risks. Through our comprehensive health consulting services, we empower organisations to build robust preventative programmes that safeguard their workforce and operations. By integrating advanced analytics and expert insights, we ensure that our clients are always a step ahead, ready to respond effectively to any health crisis. Trust International SOS to be your partner in navigating the complexities of global health challenges with confidence and resilience.

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