Global health alert: New virus spreads across continents amid climate and urbanisation concerns
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In a world where international travel is as common as hopping on a bus, the spread of infectious diseases can be rapid and alarming.
Recently, a new health alert emerged as a debilitating virus, initially linked to sloths, that began spreading more widely.
This development has raised concerns among health officials and the public alike, highlighting the importance of staying informed and vigilant about emerging infectious threats.
The latest health scare to hit the headlines is the ‘sloth fever’ virus, scientifically known as the Oropouche virus.
According to the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC), 19 confirmed cases have made their way to Europe in the past two months.
The Oropouche virus, transmitted to humans through insect bites—including those from midges and mosquitoes—has been known to cause debilitating symptoms.
Spain reported twelve cases, Italy had five, and Germany recorded two. The disease has no vaccine and originated from pale-throated sloths, non-human primates, and birds.
Experts note that the virus belongs to the same family as the Zika and Dengue viruses, both of which can be fatal.
Symptoms of Oropouche include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain.
Dr Danny Altmann, a professor of Immunology at Imperial College London, stated, ‘We should definitely be worried. Things are changing and may become unstoppable.’
According to the NHS Travax website, symptoms usually begin four to eight days after a bite, with severe cases potentially leading to meningitis.
While the disease can be deadly, the ECDC reported that fatal outcomes are extremely rare, and most people recover within four days.
Recent outbreaks have been reported across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, with specific cases in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba in 2024.
In Europe, eighteen cases have been linked to recent travel to Cuba, and one case in Italy involved travel to Brazil.
A report in The Lancet revealed two deaths of young women who had no other underlying health conditions from Oropouche in Brazil on July 25, marking the first fatalities due to the virus.
Although European cases remain low, more than 8,000 infections were recorded in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Columbia, and Cuba between January and mid-July this year.
The ECDC assessed the risk for EU citizens travelling to or residing in outbreak areas as moderate and advised using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to reduce bite risks.
First identified in the village of Oropouche in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, the virus was linked to sloths during the construction of the Belem-Brasilia highway five years later.
Since then, about 30 outbreaks have occurred, primarily in the Amazon basin.
The virus is spread by midges and mosquitoes in urban areas, and it is worsened by deforestation and urbanisation, which have displaced wildlife and expanded the range of biting insects.
Rising temperatures from climate change have also led to midges travelling farther, while increased rainfall and flooding create ideal conditions for these biting insects to breed.
As concerns grow over the spread of debilitating viruses originating from wildlife, it's crucial to stay informed about other potential health threats.
Just as we navigate the challenges posed by the Oropouche virus, experts are also sounding alarms about a looming avian influenza threat in Australia.
Understanding these emerging risks and taking preventive measures can help safeguard our health in these uncertain times.
What are your thoughts about this emerging health threat? How do you think we could protect ourselves from such diseases? Let us know your insights and suggestions in the comments below.
Recently, a new health alert emerged as a debilitating virus, initially linked to sloths, that began spreading more widely.
This development has raised concerns among health officials and the public alike, highlighting the importance of staying informed and vigilant about emerging infectious threats.
The latest health scare to hit the headlines is the ‘sloth fever’ virus, scientifically known as the Oropouche virus.
According to the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC), 19 confirmed cases have made their way to Europe in the past two months.
The Oropouche virus, transmitted to humans through insect bites—including those from midges and mosquitoes—has been known to cause debilitating symptoms.
The Oropouche virus, originally from sloths and spread by insect bites, has been reported in Europe for the first time with 19 confirmed cases. Credit: Shutterstock
Spain reported twelve cases, Italy had five, and Germany recorded two. The disease has no vaccine and originated from pale-throated sloths, non-human primates, and birds.
Experts note that the virus belongs to the same family as the Zika and Dengue viruses, both of which can be fatal.
Symptoms of Oropouche include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain.
Dr Danny Altmann, a professor of Immunology at Imperial College London, stated, ‘We should definitely be worried. Things are changing and may become unstoppable.’
According to the NHS Travax website, symptoms usually begin four to eight days after a bite, with severe cases potentially leading to meningitis.
While the disease can be deadly, the ECDC reported that fatal outcomes are extremely rare, and most people recover within four days.
Recent outbreaks have been reported across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, with specific cases in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba in 2024.
In Europe, eighteen cases have been linked to recent travel to Cuba, and one case in Italy involved travel to Brazil.
A report in The Lancet revealed two deaths of young women who had no other underlying health conditions from Oropouche in Brazil on July 25, marking the first fatalities due to the virus.
Although European cases remain low, more than 8,000 infections were recorded in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Columbia, and Cuba between January and mid-July this year.
The ECDC assessed the risk for EU citizens travelling to or residing in outbreak areas as moderate and advised using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to reduce bite risks.
First identified in the village of Oropouche in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, the virus was linked to sloths during the construction of the Belem-Brasilia highway five years later.
Since then, about 30 outbreaks have occurred, primarily in the Amazon basin.
The virus is spread by midges and mosquitoes in urban areas, and it is worsened by deforestation and urbanisation, which have displaced wildlife and expanded the range of biting insects.
Rising temperatures from climate change have also led to midges travelling farther, while increased rainfall and flooding create ideal conditions for these biting insects to breed.
As concerns grow over the spread of debilitating viruses originating from wildlife, it's crucial to stay informed about other potential health threats.
Just as we navigate the challenges posed by the Oropouche virus, experts are also sounding alarms about a looming avian influenza threat in Australia.
Understanding these emerging risks and taking preventive measures can help safeguard our health in these uncertain times.
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