Should You Be Worried About Sloth Fever?

The short answer is no.

The long answer is also no AND it’s a good reminder to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

After living through 2020 and the onset of the COVID pandemic, any exotic virus stirs up my "panic sensors". So I did some research to find out what's beyond the headlines.

Watch the video presentation here.

What to Know about Sloth Fever

Sloth Fever, a nickname for Oropouche virus disease, has been endemic to Latin America since 1955. It is making headlines because over 20 U.S. travelers returning from Cuba recently tested positive. While this might seem alarming, there’s no need to panic. Sloth Fever has been around for decades without causing widespread concern.

Notably, 40% of those infected show no symptoms, meaning many cases go unnoticed and resolve on their own. For those who do experience symptoms, they are typically mild and flu-like.

Like many tropical viruses, Sloth Fever is spread through mosquito bites. In my 20s, I contracted both Dengue Fever and Malaria while living in Central America—mosquito-borne illnesses that, though miserable, left me with no long-term effects. I’m more concerned about West Nile virus after having seen how it can permanently impact lives.

So this is our wake-up call to be alert of mosquito bites at home and when traveling abroad.

How to Prevent Exposure to Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

👉 Wear long sleeves and pants: Loose-fitting clothing is best, as mosquitoes can sometimes bite through tight fabrics. Yep, I've had them bite me through my black yoga pants.

👉 Choose your colors wisely: Some say mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors like black, navy, blue, or red so opt for lighter shades when dressing for the outdoors.

👉 Wear the right repellant: I like Picardin repellants because they don't melt plastic or nail polish like DEET can (why would I want that on my skin?). One of my travelers that is a nurse in Texas introduced me to this brand, and it's what I use when I travel:. Picardin on Amazon

The EPA has a website where you can see how your favorite brand name spray is rated (sorry Skin-So-Soft, they don't rate you highly).

👉 Use permethrin on your clothing: If it's an August evening and you're headed into the swamps, spray your clothes with permethrin for extra protection. You can find it in the hunting section at Walmart.

👉 Avoid travel during the rainy season: In much of Latin America, the rainy season runs from August to early October, which is when mosquito activity is at its peak.

It’s a Consistent Theme: Take precautions against mosquito bites

Remember, you're at risk for mosquito-borne illnesses anywhere there are mosquitoes. I live in Boulder County, Colorado, where we are seeing cases of West Nile virus again. When I go early morning birdwatching, I follow some of my own advice: wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellent. The same goes for Sloth Fever—by taking a few precautions, you can enjoy your travels without unnecessary worry.