Deadly Sloth-Borne Virus Spreading Through Europe

A deadly virus that originated in sloths is spreading in Europe for the first time , leaving health experts concerned. The European Center for Disease Control said that there were 19 cases of the Oropouche virus in Europe. There were 12 cases reported in Spain, five in Italy, and two in Germany.

The infected patients had recently traveled to Brazil or Cuba, both of which reported outbreaks of the virus this year.

The Oropouche virus is usually found in the Amazon rainforest and spreads through insect bites . It is in the same family as the Zika virus and dengue fever. Symptoms typically show up within a week of infection and include high fever, rashes, headaches, muscle or joint pain, stomach issues, and sensitivity to light.

The virus has killed two women in their 20s in Brazil and has been linked to stillbirths and birth defects.

Dr. Danny Altmann , a Professor of Immunology at Imperial College London, told The Telegraph that there is a "real need for vigilance" because of how quickly the virus can spread.

"Oropouche is taking off this Summer in the Americas – so, a concern to people there, a concern to tourists," he said.