Sloth fever outbreak in Canary Islands prompts urgent health warning

Health officials on the Canary Islands have confirmed three cases of sloth fever, also known as Oropouche virus, which is characterized by symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, and joint pain. The affected individuals, who had traveled to Cuba, include a 36-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman from Tenerife, and a 52-year-old man from Gran Canaria. This outbreak has raised concerns among health authorities, especially since the virus was previously confined to the Amazon basin in South America. In addition to the confirmed cases, three more individuals are awaiting testing for the virus. Reports indicate that two other people who visited Cuba were hospitalized in Italy earlier this year with similar symptoms. The European Center for Disease Control has noted that at least 19 cases have been reported across Europe in the past two months, including in Spain and Germany. The Canary Islands, with a population of 2.2 million, are a popular tourist destination, particularly for British travelers, with over two million visiting Tenerife annually. The symptoms of sloth fever can be debilitating, and there is currently no known treatment for the virus. Health officials emphasize that there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission, which may help mitigate fears among the public. To prevent infection, health authorities recommend travelers to affected areas take precautions against insect bites, such as using insect repellent and covering exposed skin. It is crucial for travelers to stay informed about health risks associated with their destinations, especially if they are pregnant.