The potentially fatal “sloth fever,” spread by small fly and mosquito bites, has made its way to New York State.
It’s not clear when or where the state’s sole 2024 sloth fever diagnosis occurred.
The illness caused by the Oropouche virus can lead to fever, severe headaches, chills, joint stiffness and muscle pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In rare cases, fewer than one in 20, the disease can progress to more severe conditions like meningitis or encephalitis (brain inflammation).
There’s no vaccine for the virus.
Oropouche virus is often introduced into cities by infected humans returning from forested areas. Most commonly, infections start as a transmission to animals such as sloths, birds and rodents, which then spread the virus to people, according to the CDC.
The virus’ incubation period is 3-10 days. Symptoms last about a week, but can return days or weeks later in more than half of all patients, the CDC warns.
Oropouche virus was first diagnosed in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. Decades later, outbreaks occurred in Brazil, Panama, and Peru. Cuba saw its first case in June.
Health officials have found only travel-related cases in the U.S., including 30 instances in Florida. The Floridians infected had traveled to Cuba. Despite no evidence of local transmission, domestic cases are expected to rise.
Oropouche virus is frequently misdiagnosed as dengue and chikungunya infections. So far this year, New York has seen 175 reported cases of dengue fever, is also transmitted by bug bites and is believed to be the most common mosquito-borne disease worldwide.
To prevent all bug bite-related illnesses, the Pan American Health Organization recommends tourists visiting areas where those viruses are commonly spread to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and stay in places that provide conditioning and window screens.
