First ever case of sloth fever detected in Jefferson County

A virus transmitted out of Central and South American regions, as well as parts of the Caribbean, has been detected in Jefferson County, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness officials said in a press release Wednesday.

A Jefferson County resident who recently traveled to Cuba has been diagnosed with Oropouche virus — sometimes called "sloth fever" — resulting in the first ever reported case of the virus in the county, according to the news release. The infected person is displaying mild symptoms and expected to recover.

Oropouche virus is spread to people through small flies called midges and certain kinds of mosquitoes. In the United States this year, 21 cases have been reported among people who traveled to Cuba, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . However, there is no evidence of the virus being spread inside the U.S.

Symptoms experienced by those infected with the virus, including fever, headaches, chills, body aches and joint pain, tend to be mild and last about three to 10 days, according to the press release.

The virus can develop into more severe conditions, such as meningitis, encephalitis or bleeding complications, but death from an infection is rare. Of 8,000 reported cases this year worldwide, only two have resulted in deaths, according to the CDC.

Pregnant women who contract the virus may be at heightened because of the possibility of the infection being spread to their fetus, which can result in birth defects or death of the fetus.

The best method of prevention is to avoid bug bites by using bug spray, wearing long clothing and limiting time outdoors during the early morning and dusk, said Matt Vanderpool, LMPHW environmental health specialist in the press release.

“If you’re planning to travel to countries where there are locally transmitted cases of Oropouche virus, you should take measures to prevent insect bites during your stay abroad and for three weeks after your return. If you’re pregnant, then you should speak with your healthcare provider about travel plans and reconsider nonessential travel to Cuba,” said Dr. Kris Bryant, associate medical director of LMPHW and pediatric infectious disease specialist at Norton Children’s. “Keep in mind, no matter where you live — or are visiting — you should always protect yourself from insects that can carry disease.”

Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness advises those who are experiencing symptoms and recently traveled to an area where the virus is spread to contact their health care provider.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: First ever case of sloth fever detected in Jefferson County