Doctors warn Palm Beach Co. residents about rise in cases of this illness

Nearly 30 cases of Oropouche — or "sloth fever" — have been reported in Florida after originating from travelers who were overseas.

Dr. Ramprasad Gopalan, an infectious disease physician in Wellington, said the virus is transmitted by bugs like mosquitoes or midges from countries like Cuba.

How does the virus spread?

Gopalan explained the virus is spreading through mosquito bites. He adds the virus can be a threat to pregnant women.

"Like Zika, it can transmit through the mother to the baby and cause fetal loss and may also cause deformations," Gopalan said.

Many of the virus' symptoms include fever, chills, headache and muscle aches. Gopalan told WPTV reporter Zitlali Solache that Palm Beach County could see its first case.

Khalil McLean

"I had to check one of the patients who came in with similar symptoms," Gopalan said. "I sent that out for a study to the state health department to get it confirmed."

According to the Florida Department of Health, 30 cases have been reported in Florida and all are linked to Cuba.

The CDC reports out of 8,000 cases reported since January 2024, only two have been deadly. However, people are still thinking twice about being outdoors.

"I will stay indoors and try to avoid being outdoors, especially late in the evening when mosquitoes come out," local resident Maria Ford said.

Gopalan said pregnant women traveling to countries like Cuba, Brazil, Colombia and Bolivia should be extra careful.

"Take caution for mosquito control and avoid areas in the jungle," Gopalan said. "For the pregnant population, it is advised by the CDC to avoid those countries.”

Health officials said there is no treatment for the virus, but there are also no reported cases in our areas.