Terrifying 'sloth fever' is detected in US vacation hotspot for first time as experts warn: 'We should all be worried'

Terrifying 'sloth fever' is detected in US vacation hotspot for first time as experts warn: 'We should all be worried' IF YOU HAVE A HEALTH STORY WE'D LOVE TO HEAR IT. GET IN TOUCH HEALTH@DAILYMAIL.COM By Maiya Focht Health Reporter For Dailymail.

Com Published: 14:49, 23 August 2024 | Updated: 14:53, 23 August 2024 e-mail View comments A virus found in sloths and spread by mosquitos in South America has now been found in the US. The CDC issued has issued a warning about the Oropouche virus after 11 Floridians returned home from summer travel with the disease. The condition is spread by mosquitos in tropical parts of the Caribbean and South America, and causes fever, rash, joint aches.

In rare cases, it can cause brain swelling and death, and claimed the life of two healthy Brazilian women earlier this year. In 2024, there have been more than 8,000 cases reported in Central and South America - causing two deaths, one miscarriage and four newborns to be born with birth defects. Nineteen cases were reported in Europe earlier this month, leading to a warning from the European Center for Disease Control.

The Oropouche virus is nicknamed sloth fever not because it's transmitted by sloths, but because the animals can be carriers for the disease The Oropouche virus is spread primarily by bites from a bug called a midge. Sometimes, mosquitos also carry it The US CDC's warning was specifically addressed to doctors and public health authorities, asking them to test people who've returne.