Approximately 60% of people infected with the Oropouche virus become ill, experiencing symptoms of Sloth fever.

The Oropouche virus was first identified in 1955.  

The Oropouche virus was named after a village in Trinidad and Tobago where the virus was first isolated from an infected person.  

Sloth fever symptoms are similar to those of other viral infections, making it difficult to distinguish without specific medical testing.  

Orthobunyaviruses are a group of viruses that includes the Oropouche virus, which is different from flaviviruses like dengue and alphaviruses like chikungunya.  

The US CDC advises avoiding unnecessary travel to Brazil and Cuba due to the presence of the Oropouche virus.  

To prevent Sloth fever, avoid contact with mosquitoes and biting midges, and use insect repellent and protective clothing.  

Yes, serious complications such as encephalitis and meningitis (inflammation of the brain and surrounding membranes) have occasionally been reported.