What is Oropouche virus? UF expert explains disease known as sloth fever.
The disease poses a low threat in the United States but is associated with travel. (Tyler Jones)
Oropouche virus, a relatively unknown pathogen endemic to the Amazon region, is being tracked by public health officials. It has recently shown unusual activity, spreading to new areas in Central and South America. In the first eight months of 2024, there have been more than 8,000 confirmed infections across Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba and Peru.
The United States does not currently have local transmission of Oropouche, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that U.S. travelers returning from active areas have tested positive for the virus. Europe also saw its first cases of Oropouche virus disease in the summer of 2024. As of Sept. 17, the CDC is reporting 74 imported cases of Oropouche disease, with one person exhibiting neuroinvasive disease. Five states and territories have reported these travel-associated cases, with Florida reporting 70 cases.
Maureen Long, D.V.M., Ph.D., associate director for research resources at the University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute and professor emeritus in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, answers some common questions about Oropouche virus.