What Is ‘Sloth Fever’ and Why You Should Take It Seriously

Over the years, the medical and animal worlds have collided with ailments like Mad Cow Disease, Swine Flu, and Monkeypox. And now, there's a new disease on the rise that shares its name with an adorable, mild-mannered mammal.

It's called 'Sloth Fever'.

The formal name is Oropouche virus, and it's been on the medical community's radar since the 1950s. But now it's making a comeback, and that has doctors worried.

Health Alert: Sloth Fever Cases Rise In U.S. Ahead Of Spring Break

It's most commonly found in the Caribbean and South America, and with Spring Break right around the corner, doctors are sounding the alarm about the possible spread of the virus in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that in the past year, more than 100 Oropouche infections have been reported here, mainly in Florida, but it has been detected as far west as California and as far north as Wisconsin.

READ MORE: Did You Know You Can Take An At-Home Flu Test?

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What Is Sloth Fever? Key Facts About The Oropouche Virus Outbreak

Authorities say that about 60 percent of people infected with the virus become symptomatic within three to 10 days. Symptoms can resolve in a week, but about 70 percent of those infected will experience recurrent symptoms, which include:

• Body Aches
• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Rash

Doctors are especially worried about expectant mothers contracting Oropouche, because an infection can lead to bleeding from the nose, gums, or upper GI tract, as well as heavy menstrual bleeding or meningitis. It can also cause birth defects.

Just so you know, it's infected midges or mosquitoes that are responsible for carrying the virus, but it can be spread through infected primates, like Sloths

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To date, there is no vaccine or antiviral medication for Oropouche. The CDC recommends rest, fluids, and acetaminophen if infected.

As for protecting yourself from contracting the disease, officials advise wearing clothes that cover as much of the body as possible, the use of insect repellents, installing window screens, and staying in places with air conditioning.