Oropouche Virus Explained: What is Sloth Fever and How to Protect Yourself

Published: Aug 28, 2024 Duration: 00:07:11 Category: Education

Tags : mosquito protection mosquito-borne virus Public Health virus outbreak Virus Prevention health awareness Disease Prevention Virus Transmission Sloth Fever Oropouche virus tropical diseases travel health virus symptoms sloth virus health tips Zoonotic disease Virus diagnosis Virus treatment Midges Pregnant women virus risk Florida virus cases Medical education Sloth and virus connection Capsa channel Sloth fever explained Virus in South America

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Hey everyone, welcome back to CAPSA. I am Shree, your guide to unraveling medical mysteries and complex diseases. Today we are diving deep into something you might not have heard about before, "sloth fever", scientifically known as Oropouche virus. We will explore what it is, how it spreads and why it is associated with the lovable sloths. So lets get started. So let's get started. So what is sloth fever? Well, it is a nickname given to the infections caused by Oropouche virus named after its association with sloths. Its important to note that this is not because sloths transmit the virus directly to humans. Instead, the term sloth fever reflects the connection between the virus and the natural habitats of sloths. Intrigued? Let's dig deeper. Oropouche virus is a Zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It was first identified in 1955 in a worker near the Oropouche River in Trinidad and Tobago. Since then, it has become the one of the most common causes of fever in some regions of South America. The virus is a part of genus Orthobunyavirus, and its primary mode of transmission to humans is through the bites of infected midges and mosquitoes. You might be wondering why are sloths associated with this virus? Here's the scoop: sloths are considered one of the natural reservoir for the Oropouche virus. This means they can carry the virus without getting sick themselves. Other animals like non human primates and some birds can also harbor the virus. These animals live in close proximity to humans in certain regions where mosquitoes and midges pick up the virus from them and transmit it to the people. The transmission cycle is quite interesting. It mainly involves a tiny biting insect called a midge and sometimes mosquitoes. These insects feed on the blood of infected animals like sloths and then bite humans, transferring the virus in the process. So, while you don't get the virus directly from sloths, the sloths play a key role in maintaining the virus in the ecosystem. Now lets talk about what happens if you get infected. The symptoms of sloth fever are similar to those of other viral infections like dengue. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, joint stiffness and fatigue. Some people might experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, Rash, back pain, and even mild bleeding. Most cases are mild and resolve within a week, but a few you can develop more serious complications like neurological issues. There is an important consideration for pregnant woman. Evidence suggests that the Oropouche virus can be transmitted from one infected mother to her fetus. There have been reports of cases where these vertical transmission lead to serious outcomes, including fetal death and microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition where the baby's head is smaller than normal. This is a significant concern, highlighting the need for caution and prevention means preventive measures, especially in endemic areas. So how is Oropouche virus diagnosed and treated? Because its symptoms overlap with other tropical diseases, diagnosis often requires laboratory tests such as PCR or polymerase chain reaction to detect the virus genetic material. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Oropuche virus, according to CDC. The approach is mostly supportive. Like hydration, pain relief and managing symptoms. Prevention is key which bring us to our next topics. Now, interestingly, while the virus is more common in certain parts of South America, recent cases have been confirmed elsewhere. In the U.S. 20 residents of Florida and one New Yorker returning from Cuba tested positive for the Oropouche virus. This shows how travel can contribute to the spread of such infections, making awareness and preventive measures are crucial. Prevention and control are the best defenses against the Oropouche virus. Heres what you can do: Use insect repellent to reduce the risk of bites, wear long sleeved clothing and use mosquito Nets, especially in endemic areas, remove standing water around your home to eliminate breeding sites for the midges and mosquitoes. Travellers should be aware of the risks and take preventive measures of visiting areas known to have a virus. So that's a wrap on today's deep dive into sloth fever or the Oropouche virus. Understanding this virus helps us stay one step ahead in preventing infections. If you found this video helpful, Dont forget to give a thumbs up. Subscribe to CAPSA and hit that notification bell to stay updated with more health and medical insights. If you have any questions or comments, drop them below, we would love to hear from you. Stay safe, stay informed, and see you next time.

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