Case of travel-related ‘sloth fever’ reported in Jefferson County

LOUISVILLE — The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) in partnership with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed a Jefferson County resident who recently traveled from Cuba was diagnosed with the Oropouche virus infection.

The infected person had mild symptoms and is recovering. 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at this time, there is no evidence that Oropouche virus has been spread in the United States. The virus, which is also referred to as sloth fever, has been reported in parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Greater Louisville has the second largest Cuban American community in the U.S.

Symptoms of Oropouche  

Symptoms of Oropouche virus infection may be like those of dengue, Zika, malaria or chikungunya and can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Body aches
• Joint paint

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.

At least 21 Oropouche cases have been reported in the United States in travelers who have returned from Cuba.  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. In the United States and Europe in 2024, travel-associated cases have been identified in people returning from Cuba and Brazil.

“If you’re planning to travel to countries where there are locally transmitted cases of Oropouche virus, you should take measures to prevent insect bites during your stay abroad and for three weeks after your return. If you’re pregnant, then you should speak with your healthcare provider about travel plans and reconsider nonessential travel to Cuba,” said Dr. Kris Bryant, associate medical director of LMPHW and pediatric infectious disease specialist at Norton Children’s. “Keep in mind, no matter where you live — or are visiting — you should always protect yourself from insects that can carry disease.”

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.

“You can avoid insect bites by using EPA-registered insect repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible, and consider taking extra precaution – like avoiding outdoor activities – during peak biting hours. For mosquitoes, that’s in the early morning and dusk,” said Matt Vanderpool, LMPHW environmental health specialist. “For mosquitoes, you can also prevent breeding sites by regularly emptying standing water from anything around your home including tires, flowerpot saucers and gutter extension pipes.”

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 potential spread of the virus to other people via midges or mosquitoes.

Testing and diagnosis 

If you are experiencing the above symptoms and recently traveled to an area where there is Oropouche virus transmission, call your healthcare provider and inform them of your travel history. Your healthcare provider can review CDC recommendations and determine if you need testing for Oropouche virus infection or other infections. 

For more information about Oropouche virus and bug bite prevention visit the CDC’s website. You can also learn more about mosquito control and prevention at louisvilleky.gov.

Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is a nationally accredited, independent, academic health department committed to achieving health equity and improving the health and well-being of all Louisville residents and visitors.