STATEN ISLAND, NY – A virus transmitted by mosquito bites that is found primarily in areas of South America, Central America and the Caribbean has been reported in New York.
The Oropouche virus, also known as “sloth fever,” causes symptoms similar to other tropical diseases such as dengue fever, Zika or malaria.
Fever, headache, chills and muscle aches are common, and some infected people suffer from diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or rash, according to a statement from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The CDC announced on Tuesday that 20 cases had been reported in Florida and one in New York. All of those infected are said to have previously been in Cuba. According to health officials, 19 travelers are also said to have contracted the disease in Europe, the statement said.
While symptoms usually last less than a week and are not fatal, some patients suffer from bleeding, meningitis and encephalitis. There are no reports of the virus being transmitted through person-to-person contact, the CDC said.
Although there are no vaccines to prevent infection and no medications to treat symptoms, treatment usually includes rest, hydration, and taking painkillers.
Because it is not yet known whether the virus can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby, the CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid unnecessary travel to Cuba and reminds travelers to take appropriate precautions against insect bites, which include using insect repellent and wearing long clothing.
