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A potentially deadly "sloth fever" virus is reportedly spreading across the United States.
A total of 20 Florida residents and one New York resident returning from Cuba were diagnosed with the insect-borne Oropouche virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday (August 27) via USA TODAY. The virus is transmitted by midges and mosquito bites primarily in countries located in central and eastern South America.
Symptoms for the Oropouche virus include fever, chills and headaches, as well as muscle and joint pain or stiffness. Officials are especially concerned about cases involving pregnant women due to potential transmission of the disease contributing to fetal deaths or health problems at birth.
There is currently no vaccine nor antiviral treatments in relation to the Oropouche virus, which should not be confused with the West Nile Virus also reported to be spreading across the U.S. The Pan American Health Organization previously shared an advisory warning of "highly concerning changes in the observed clinical and epidemiological characteristics" of the Oropouche virus, including a recent increase and expansion of cases outside its typical region, as well as first-ever death reports.
The virus commonly spreads to urban environments when residents visit forested areas have the disease transmitted from sloths and rodents to mosquitoes and flies, who then transmit it to humans, according to the CDC, which added that there was no evidence of local transmission in the U.S.