What to Know About ‘Sloth Fever’

Oropouche virus, sometimes called “sloth fever,” is on the rise, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a health advisory. The current US cases are related to international travel. However, if you think your child may be infected, the first step is to contact their health care provider and schedule an evaluation, said Zachary Hoy, M.D., a board-certified pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix® Hospitalist of Nashville. "Some of the common things to watch for are dehydration from not wanting to eat or drink regularly," explained Dr. Hoy. He stressed that while it is possible to diagnose sloth fever, there is no antiviral treatment, though that does not change how the virus is managed once it's been detected. "Most commonly used medications are non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as Motrin or naproxen sodium," said Dr. Hoy. “This can help alleviate muscle and joint pain.”

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