Health officials report first case of Oropouche virus, aka ‘Sloth Fever,’ confirmed in Kentucky

By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today

Federal, state and local public health officials have confirmed the first case of the Oropouche virus in Kentucky and Jefferson County in a person who had returned to Louisville after traveling to the Caribbean.

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW), in partnership with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has confirmed a Jefferson County resident who recently traveled from Cuba was diagnosed with the Oropouche virus infection, also known as “Sloth Fever.” The infected person had mild symptoms and is recovering.

LMPHW says Oropouche virus is spread to people through the bite of infected biting midges (also known as “no-see-ums”) and some mosquitoes.

According to the CDC, at this time, there is no evidence that Oropouche virus has become widespread in the United States, as only 21 cases have been confirmed this year as of mid-August, all in people who had traveled to Cuba. The virus has been reported in parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

The CDC says Oropouche virus infection may be like those of dengue, Zika, malaria or chikungunya and can include fever, headache, chills, body aches and joint pain.

Oropouche virus infections are usually mild, occurring 3-10 days after a bite from an infected insect. However, some people may develop more serious disease, including meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or bleeding complications. Death from Oropouche virus infection is rare.

This year, more than 8,000 cases of Oropouche virus infection have been reported worldwide, including two deaths. Five cases of transmission during pregnancy have been associated with fetal death or birth defects. Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba have reported locally acquired cases.

There are no vaccines to prevent Oropouche virus infection or medicines to treat the illness. The best way to prevent the virus is to protect yourself from bug bites.

People who have recently traveled to an area where Oropouche virus transmission is occurring are also encouraged to use insect repellant for three weeks after returning home to prevent spread of the virus to other people via midges or mosquitoes.

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