The Canadian government has issued a health warning for international travellers in the wake of the Oropouche virus outbreak, also known as “sloth fever.” While not new to the Americas, recent reports highlight that the virus is most prevalent in Cuba, with cases also spreading in Brazil and Bolivia.
Sloth fever origin:
The Oropouche virus was first identified in a forest worker from Vega de Oropouche, Trinidad.The virus is common in the Amazon basin and earned its nickname because three-toed sloths were among the first animals infected. Zain Chagla from McMaster University initially believed that “sloths played a role in the natural transmission cycle between animals and insects.”
Key symptoms & prevention:
The Oropouche virus, spread mainly by small flies called midges (no-see-ums) or occasionally by mosquitoes, is causing concern. Midges are active in the afternoon, while mosquitoes bite more at night.
Symptoms usually show up three to eight days after a bite and include fever, severe headache, chills, and muscle and joint pain. Some people may also experience nausea, dizziness, vomiting, sensitivity to light, pain behind the eyes, and occasionally a rash. Rarely, the virus can lead to more serious conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, or severe bleeding.
There are no specific treatments or vaccines available for the Oropouche virus. To manage symptoms, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter medications for pain and fever. It’s important to avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs until dengue fever is ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding. In Canada, the risk of the virus spreading is low because the insects that carry it are not found there. However, travellers returning from areas where the virus is present might need to be monitored.
Risks for pregnant travellers:
As Oropouche virus cases rise, there are growing concerns about its impact on pregnant individuals. The Canadian government is urging pregnant travellers to affected areas to adhere strictly to bug bite prevention measures and consult their healthcare providers about travel risks.
Recent reports highlight serious concerns: One case involved a six-week pregnant woman who tested positive for the virus. Unfortunately, the pregnancy ended in miscarriage in the eighth week, though it’s unclear if the virus was the cause.
In another instance, a pregnant woman showed symptoms at the 30th week and sought medical care after noticing decreased foetal movement. This pregnancy resulted in stillbirth, with the virus detected in multiple parts of the baby’s body, including the brain, liver, and placenta.
Expectant travellers should be vigilant and take necessary precautions to reduce their risk of exposure.
Travel tips to avoid the Oropouche virus:
To minimise the risk of contracting the Oropouche virus, health experts recommend the following precautions for travellers:
Sloth fever origin:
The Oropouche virus was first identified in a forest worker from Vega de Oropouche, Trinidad.The virus is common in the Amazon basin and earned its nickname because three-toed sloths were among the first animals infected. Zain Chagla from McMaster University initially believed that “sloths played a role in the natural transmission cycle between animals and insects.”
Key symptoms & prevention:
The Oropouche virus, spread mainly by small flies called midges (no-see-ums) or occasionally by mosquitoes, is causing concern. Midges are active in the afternoon, while mosquitoes bite more at night.
Symptoms usually show up three to eight days after a bite and include fever, severe headache, chills, and muscle and joint pain. Some people may also experience nausea, dizziness, vomiting, sensitivity to light, pain behind the eyes, and occasionally a rash. Rarely, the virus can lead to more serious conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, or severe bleeding.
There are no specific treatments or vaccines available for the Oropouche virus. To manage symptoms, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter medications for pain and fever. It’s important to avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs until dengue fever is ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding. In Canada, the risk of the virus spreading is low because the insects that carry it are not found there. However, travellers returning from areas where the virus is present might need to be monitored.
Risks for pregnant travellers:
As Oropouche virus cases rise, there are growing concerns about its impact on pregnant individuals. The Canadian government is urging pregnant travellers to affected areas to adhere strictly to bug bite prevention measures and consult their healthcare providers about travel risks.
Recent reports highlight serious concerns: One case involved a six-week pregnant woman who tested positive for the virus. Unfortunately, the pregnancy ended in miscarriage in the eighth week, though it’s unclear if the virus was the cause.
In another instance, a pregnant woman showed symptoms at the 30th week and sought medical care after noticing decreased foetal movement. This pregnancy resulted in stillbirth, with the virus detected in multiple parts of the baby’s body, including the brain, liver, and placenta.
Expectant travellers should be vigilant and take necessary precautions to reduce their risk of exposure.
Travel tips to avoid the Oropouche virus:
To minimise the risk of contracting the Oropouche virus, health experts recommend the following precautions for travellers:
- Seek professional advice: Consult a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before your trip to get tailored health recommendations.
- Stay updated on travel advisories: Check the Government of Canada’s website for the latest travel advisories and risk levels for your destination.
- Use protective measures: Prevent insect bites by using mosquito nets, applying insect repellent, limiting outdoor activities, and wearing protective clothing.
These steps can help protect you from the Oropouche virus and other insect-borne diseases during your travels.
Oropouche virus case surge: Latest statistics and alerts
Recent data shows a significant rise in Oropouche virus cases, particularly in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru, with around 8,000 local cases reported. In the US, 21 cases have been identified among travellers returning from Cuba — 20 in Florida and one in New York.
While no cases have been reported in Canada yet, Dr Isaac Bogoch anticipates they may appear soon. The CDC notes that the average patient age is 48, with nearly half being women. In Europe, 19 travellers from Cuba are also suspected to have contracted the virus, but details on their gender are unclear.
US doctors are advised to monitor for the Oropouche virus in travellers from affected regions.