Could the Latest Mosquito-Spread Disease, Sloth Fever, Make it to Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin?

Recent reports have health officials raising concerns after 21 cases of the Oropouche virus, also known as “sloth fever,” were detected among U.S. travelers returning from Cuba. With its potential to spread through tiny biting midges and some mosquitoes, could this disease reach us in the Tri-States?

What is Sloth Fever?

Despite its nickname, sloth fever is not spread by sloths. Instead, it’s transmitted to humans by the bites of midges (gnats, or tiny biting insects known as no-see 'ums) and some mosquitoes. The virus was first identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955 (In? you guessed it, Sloth populations) and is now commonly found in the Amazon basin. This year, over 8,000 cases have been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba.

Sloth fever symptoms resemble those of other mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and Zika, including fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea. While most cases are mild, some can lead to serious complications such as meningitis or encephalitis. There have been rare fatalities, and some cases of the virus being passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.

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In the recent outbreak here, 21 cases were reported among U.S. travelers returning from Cuba, primarily in Florida, with one case in New York. Most patients experienced mild symptoms and recovered without major medical intervention. There’s currently no evidence of local transmission within the U.S. Additionally there is no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Oropouche.

So, Could it Spread to the Midwest?

All signs point to highly unlikely as of now, but not impossible. While there’s no sign of sloth fever spreading locally in the U.S., there’s potential for the virus to be introduced to the Midwest if infected travelers bring it back and local biting insects begin to transmit it. Residents of any mosquito-active states should stay informed and take precautions, just like they should against the spread of dengue fever which is beginning to show up in the U.S as well. Additionally, increased or unchecked immigration from infected countries could potentially create a local community of infected bugs in the U.S.

How to Protect Yourself

• Use Insect Repellent: Apply EPA-approved insect repellents effective against midges and mosquitoes. Use mosquito dunks.
• Wear Long-Sleeved Clothing: This helps reduce skin exposure to insect bites.
• Install Window and Door Screens: Ensure screens are intact to keep insects out.
• Use Fans Outdoors: Fans can help blow away biting insects.
• Pregnant women are advised to reconsider non-essential travel due to the risk of severe complications.

While sloth fever hasn’t reached the Midwest, being informed and taking preventive measures can help protect against the spread of this emerging and new to the U.S. virus. So far, there is no indication that the virus is spreading, but health officials are warning doctors to be on the lookout for the infection in travelers coming from Cuba and South America.