Warning signs to look out for as 'sloth virus' hits people in UK

An urgent new health warning has been issued after a number of Brits were diagnosed with a tropical disease. ‘Sloth fever' usually causes mild or moderate symptoms, however, for a few people it can be fatal.

The alert was raised after the illness, also known as Oropouche virus (OROV), was diagnosed in three Brits who’d all recently returned from Brazil. Warning signs of 'sloth virus' have been detailed which include headache, joint pain and fever along with possible nausea, vomiting, and a rash.

Other common symptomsinclude muscle aches and chills, feeling dizzy, sensitive to light or getting pain behind the eyes. The virus is known as ‘sloth fever’ due to it occurring in the species, but it’s also prevalent in birds.

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The illness usually presents mild symptoms that disappear after a few days to a week, but occasionally the virus attacks the brain which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis. An estimated 4% of people infected will develop neurological conditions.

The, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) released new figures on August 14 which revealed there have been three confirmed cases of the virus in Britain. All those with the virus had recently returned from travelling abroad to Brazil.

There have been no fatal cases in the UK, but in Brazil so far this year five deaths have been recorded for ‘sloth virus’. The tropical infection is spread via mosquitos and midges - and it can also be sexually transmitted, though no confirmed reports of sexual transmission are recorded.

There is no cure or vaccine for the disease which is also understood to be risky for pregnant women with reported neurological complications and foetal complications being currently under investigation.

The recent warning from officials cautioned pregnant women travelling to Central and South America - as it’s understood that the virus has been potentially linked to miscarriage.

The UKHSA statement said: “If you're pregnant and considering travel to affected areas, it is important to discuss this with your GP or travel clinic before you go.

“While we are still learning about the risks of OROV during pregnancy, the potential for mother-to-child transmission—and impact on the foetus—means caution is necessary.”

Up to 70 percent of patients experience a recurrence of the disease after the initial infection as the virus appears to present symptoms again in some people who were infected. Drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking paracetamol appear to help alleviate discomfort.

If travelling, wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying DEET type insect repellents can help ward off midges and mosquitos. Air conditioning, window screens or bedding nets can also help to keep you safe from bites

This year (2025) so far has recorded over 12,000 confirmed cases of the virus, with most being in Brazil or other areas of South America - which has recorded 11,888 of that total. However, America and Canada have both reported one case of the ‘sloth virus’ recently too.