Britons have been handed a stern warning by the UK health watchdog after three cases of a rare tropical virus were recorded in the country for the first time.
Nicknamed the “sloth virus” for its tendency to plague the glacial-paced mammal, all three cases of Oropouche fever were reported between January and June 2025, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned.
The triad of infections were individuals who had returned to Britain after visiting Brazil, where a jump in cases had been recorded.
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The virus tends to infect sloths, non-human primates and birds across Central and South America
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In extreme cases, the exotic disease can cause meningitis and death.
In fact, the disease has been surging across Central and South America as of late, usually infecting sloths, non-human primates and birds.
Caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV), the disease is spread via midge bites, which is most likely at dawn and dusk - but possible throughout the day. Midges in Europe and the UK do not spread the tropical disease.
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Being a vector-borne disease (meaning that it is spread via insects), the disease can be compared to other more well-known illnesses such as malaria, Zika or dengue fever, the Government explained.
It was first identified in the 1950s in Trinidad and Tobago but has since been witnessed in Central and South America, including Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, and Panama.
In 2024, a surge of outbreaks was recorded in these nations, which was followed by a number of first-ever cases in Venezuela.
The first human deaths associated with the virus were recorded in Brazil last summer when two died.
Symptoms
Usually lasting a week or so, the symptoms suddenly begin to appear four to eight days after the bite.
- fever
- headache
- joint pain
- muscle aches
- chills
- nausea and vomiting
- rash
- sensitivity to light
- dizziness
- pain behind the eyes
The UKHSA warned that the symptoms have a 60 per cent chance of returning several days - or even weeks - later.
Most people recover fully. However, on rare occasions, the illness can develop into meningitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome or encephalitis.
Using insect-repellent can provide some protection from midge bites
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As it stands, there is no specific medication to combat the disease due to it being viral in nature.
Consequently, treatment is made up of ways to manage the symptoms, such as sleep, drinking fluids and taking painkillers to ease discomfort.
The Government has said that those who have recently returned from an affected region and are experiencing symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention as a matter of urgency.
Some ways to prevent infection include use of insect repellant and chemical insecticides, wearing long-sleeved clothes, staying in places protected with air conditioning or window screens with fine mesh and avoiding standing water.