A new alert has been issued over a deadly and incurable virus that has been discovered in Spain. UK experts have identified the virus, known as the Oropouche virus or Sloth Fever, as a significant concern due to its potential links to stillbirths and birth defects. Reports from America’s Centers for Disease Control have prompted warnings in the UK, with the British Medical Journal highlighting over 8,000 global cases this year, including instances in Europe and the Canary Islands.
The emergence of three new cases in the Canary Islands has raised alarm bells, with the BMJ reporting the first-ever deaths from the disease this year. Experts are concerned about the virus spreading beyond its usual Amazon habitat, with instances of transmission from women to their foetuses causing serious health implications. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported outbreaks affecting at least 19 individuals in Europe, notably in Spain and Germany.
Dr. Enny Paixao from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine attributed the outbreak to factors such as enhanced surveillance and climate changes impacting the virus’s spread. The colloquial term “sloth fever” stems from the virus’s detection in areas with sloths, although it is primarily transmitted through insect bites. Common symptoms include rash, headaches, muscle or joint pain, weakness, and fever.
Despite ongoing research, there are currently no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines available for the Oropouche virus. The alarming spread of the virus underscores the need for heightened vigilance among healthcare professionals and travellers to affected regions. Stay tuned for updates as health authorities continue to monitor and respond to this evolving health threat.