Europe has been hit by the Oropouche virus, a potentially dangerous pathogen originating from sloths, for the first time following two fatalities in Brazil. The European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) disclosed that 19 cases of the so-called "sloth virus" or "sloth fever" were reported across Europe in June and July. This disease, which is typically transmitted through the bite of infected insects like mosquitoes and ticks, has its origins in pale-throated sloths found in the tropical rainforests of northern South America.
Two young women in Brazil, both under 30 years old and with pre-existing health conditions, died with the virus last month. They had shown symptoms similar to those caused by mosquito-borne fevers common in tropical regions, according to Brazil's health ministry. READ MORE: Grieving mum warns to avoid sleep mistake after losing infant son READ MORE: Warning as new study finds link that 'doubles risk of heart condition' that can be fatal To date, Spain has recorded 12 cases of the Oropouche virus, initially identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, while Italy has seen five cases and Germany two.
All affected individuals had recently visited Cuba and Brazil. The UK, however, has not reported any cases thus far. Cuba's Ministry of Public Health has announced a total of 74 confirmed cases since May.
Dr Danny Altmann, Professor of Immunology at Imperial College London, expressed his concern to the Telegraph, saying: "Oropouche is taking off this Summer in t.