What is ‘sloth fever?’ And how can I avoid it when traveling to South America?

Biting midges are much smaller than mosquitoes but can still spread pathogens such as Oropouche virus. Credit: A/Prof Cameron Webb (NSW Health Pathology) International authorities are issuing warnings about “sloth fever.” Despite the name, it’s not contracted via contact with sloths. Rather, you should avoid contact with mosquitoes and biting midges. So how can Australians protect themselves from sloth fever when traveling to South and Central America? And how does “sloth fever” compare with other mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika? What is ‘sloth fever?’ Sloth fever is caused by Oropouche virus and is formally known as Oropouche virus disease or Read More