First case of sloth fever detected in Jefferson County

A virus transmitted from Central and South American regions, as well as parts of the Caribbean, has been detected in Jefferson County, Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness Department officials said in a news release Wednesday.

A Jefferson County resident who recently traveled to Cuba has been diagnosed with the Oropouche virus, sometimes called “sloth fever,” resulting in the first reported case of the virus in the county, according to the news release. The infected person has mild symptoms and is expected to recover.

The Oropouche virus is transmitted to people by tiny flies called midges and certain types of mosquitoes. In the United States, 21 cases have been reported this year among people who traveled to Cuba, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, there is no evidence that the virus has spread within the United States.

Symptoms experienced by people infected with the virus, including fever, headaches, chills, body aches and joint pains, tend to be mild and last between three and 10 days, according to the news release.

The virus can cause more severe illness, including meningitis, encephalitis or bleeding complications, but death from infection is rare. Of the 8,000 cases reported worldwide this year, only two have resulted in deaths, according to the CDC.

Pregnant women who contract the virus may be at increased risk of passing the infection to their fetus, which can lead to birth defects or fetal death.

The best method of prevention is to avoid insect bites by using insect repellent, wearing long clothing and limiting time outdoors during the early morning and evening hours, said Matt Vanderpool, environmental health specialist for LMPHW in the news release.

“If you plan to travel to countries where there are cases of local transmission of the Oropouche virus, you should take steps to prevent insect bites during your stay abroad and for three weeks after you return. If you are pregnant, you should talk to your health care 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 that no matter where you live or are visiting, you should always protect yourself from insects that can transmit disease.”

The Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness Department recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms who has recently traveled to an area where the virus is spreading contact their health care provider.

This article originally appeared in the Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville Metro health officials confirm one case of sloth fever