Oropouche

Oropouche is often nicknamed “sloth fever” because the virus naturally lives in sloths (as well as other primates and some bird species).³

From getting bitten by midges or mosquitoes that are carrying the virus.⁴ Some studies have also shown that infected mothers may be able to pass oropouche to their babies during pregnancy.⁵

The majority of people infected with oropouche will initially experience a sudden onset of symptoms such as fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, chills, nausea, vomiting, and rash.¹

Up to 60% of patients will also suffer a second bout of these symptoms a few days or even weeks later.⁶

While the symptoms are unpleasant, most people make a full recovery from oropouche.¹ However, up to 4% of people infected will develop more severe symptoms affecting the brain, which may require hospitalisation.^1,7

Most cases and outbreaks occur in South America and the Caribbean, with Brazil reporting the highest number of cases.⁷ A small number of travel-associated cases have also been reported in the USA and Europe, including the UK.⁴

You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of being bitten by an infected midge or mosquito:

• Wear loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and trouser legs⁸
• Use a recommended insect repellent containing either Picaridin, DEET, PMD, OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus), IR3535, or 2-undecanone⁸
• Be extra cautious around 4–6pm as this is peak biting time for the midges that most commonly carry Oropouche virus.⁹