The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a health warning after three Britons were diagnosed with Oropouche virus, commonly known as 'sloth fever'. All three had recently returned from Brazil.
Symptoms include headache, joint pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle aches, chills, dizziness, sensitivity to light, and pain behind the eyes. While most cases are mild and resolve within a week, about 4% of patients develop neurological conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis.
The virus is spread by mosquitoes and midges, and there is no cure or vaccine. Pregnant women are advised to consult their GP before travelling to affected areas due to potential risks of miscarriage and foetal complications.
Globally, over 12,000 cases have been recorded this year, mostly in Brazil and other parts of South America. Five deaths have been reported in Brazil, but none in the UK.
