Sloth fever map shows were deadly disease is spreading across Europe

‘Sloth Fever’ is infecting travellers returning to Europe (Picture: Metro Graphics)

A rare virus known as ‘Sloth Fever’ is spreading to Europe after killing at least two people in Brazil.

Oropouche virus is infecting travellers in South America, leading to fears the spread could ‘become unstoppable’.

So far 12 cases have been reported in Spain, five in Italy and two in Germany after infectees visited Cuba and others countries in the region.

Dubbed a ‘mysterious threat’ in the Lancet journal, little is known about the disease as it is still emerging.

The first known deaths from the virus were reported in Brazil last month, both of women in their twenties.

The victims, aged 21 and 24, suffered intense abdominal pain, bleeding, and hypotension.

Severe cases of the disease lead to neurological disorders such as encephalitis and meningitis.

Other symptoms include headaches, high temperature, muscle soreness, joint stiffness, nausea, vomiting, colds or photophobia.

Midges are vectors spreading Oropouche virus disease, also known as Sloth Fever (Picture: Getty Images)

Pregnant women may suffer miscarriages or developmental issues and deformities in the foetus.

There is currently no vaccine to treat the virus, which comes from the same family of diseases as Zika virus and dengue fever.

Symptoms typically start four to eight days after being bitten and last three to six days.

There is no specific medicine available to cure it, and patients can only be given supportive treatment.

In a second Lancet article published in January, researchers said: ‘Over the past 70 years, a notable increase in the incidence and geographical spread of reported Oropouche virus infections has been observed, highlighting a growing public health concern.’

Dr Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, told the Telegraph that he would advise ‘against non-essential travel to infected areas for pregnant women’.

He added that he is ‘almost certain’ that in Europe there are more infections than have yet been detected and reported.

Dr Danny Altmann, a Professor of Immunology at Imperial College London, told the paper there is a ‘real need for vigilance’ as the virus was ‘taking off this summer in the Americas’ meaning tourists should be aware.

He added that southern Europe and North America could one day be much more at risk from diseases such as Sloth Fever and Zika because global warming is allowing the midges and mosquitoes which spread them to expand the areas they can thrive.

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