Deadly ‘sloth virus’ detected in UK for first time as health watchdog issues urgent warning
Health warning issued as new virus detected in UK for the first time
- The Oropouche virus, a tropical malaria-like disease, has been detected in Britain for the first time.
- The UK Health Security Agency reported three cases between January and June this year, all in individuals who had returned from Brazil.
- Typically found in South America, the virus can cause severe symptoms including high fever, headaches, and in rare instances, meningitis and death.
- It is primarily spread through bites from midges and some mosquitos, with concerns about sexual and mother-to-baby transmission.
- There is no cure, but preventative measures such as using insect repellent with 50 per cent DEET and protective clothing are advised for travellers to affected areas.