Warning over Deadly Virus in Canary Islands with No Cure

UK doctors have been put on alert for a potentially fatal virus present in popular British holiday spots like the Canary Islands. The virus, named oropouche and also known as sloth fever, is transmitted through mosquitos and currently has no known cure. Authorities have issued multiple warnings about this virus, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerting healthcare professionals to be watchful for symptoms.

Here are some key points regarding the situation:

– More than 8,000 cases of the oropouche virus have been reported globally this year, with three new cases identified in the Canary Islands.
– The first fatalities linked to the virus have been recorded this year, signaling a concerning rise in infections.
– The virus, typically found in animals in the Amazon, has now spread to other regions, with evidence of transmission from pregnant women to their unborn babies, potentially leading to birth defects and stillbirths.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has expressed worries about the virus affecting at least 19 individuals in Europe, including cases in Spain and Germany. The recent cases in the outbreak involve a 36-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman from Tenerife, as well as a 52-year-old man from Gran Canaria.

Dr. Enny Paixao, an expert from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, highlighted various factors contributing to the outbreak, such as improved surveillance, climate changes, and alterations to the virus itself. Climate change plays a role in the expansion of the oropouche virus, as rising temperatures can enhance the reproduction rates of transmission vectors like culicoides midges and mosquitoes.

Pharmacist Carolina Goncalves clarified that the term “sloth fever” is misleading, as the virus spreads through insect bites and not direct contact with sloths. Common symptoms of the disease include rash, headache, muscle and joint pain, along with weakness, typically manifesting three to eight days post-infection.

Dr. Paixao emphasized the lack of specific antiviral treatments or vaccines for the oropouche virus, underscoring the potential risks it poses to unborn fetuses. The situation remains challenging, and healthcare professionals are urged to stay informed and vigilant in light of this concerning health issue.

Stay informed, stay safe.

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