First Confirmed Case of ‘Sloth Fever’ Found in Kentucky

I don't think any of us had "Sloth Fever" on our 2024 Bingo Card, but here we are and it's made its way to Kentucky.

First Case of Oropouche Virus Found in Kentucky

The first case of Oropouche virus has been confirmed in Jefferson County, Kentucky - the first of its kind in the state. Oropouche virus is also known as "Sloth Fever" that is spread through the bite of infected biting midges, also sometimes known as a "no-see-ums." The virus can also be spread through the bite of some mosquitoes, including the kind that can spread West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses.

How Oropouche Virus Found Its Way to The Commonwealth of Kentucky

Health officials have confirmed the case was found in a person who had recently traveled to the Caribbean prior to returning to Louisville. According to the CDC, the virus has been found in two other states: Florida and New York.

Symptoms of Oropouche Virus

According to reports, the infected party has exhibited mild symptoms and is currently recovering from the illness. Symptoms of Oropouche typically last anywhere from two to seven days and are very similar to the symptoms of dengue, chikungunya, Zika, or malaria, include fever, headaches, chills, muscle aches, and pain in the joints, according to the CDC.

Common symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain. Other symptoms can include sensitivity to light, dizziness, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and rash. Symptoms typically last less than a week (2–7 days) and can often reoccur a few days or even weeks later. Most people with Oropouche recover within several days to one month.

Some people (fewer than one in 20) will develop more serious disease. This includes meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or bleeding. Death from Oropouche is rare.

 

Oropouche Virus Global Statistics

Globally, there have been more than 8,000 cases of Oropouche virus infection reported. Of those 8,000 cases, two people have died as the result of the virus. Currently, there are no vaccines to prevent infection and there are no medicines available to treat illness resulting from infection with Oropouche virus.

[Source: KentuckyToday]