Sloth Fever: What To Know About Potentially Dangerous Oropouche Virus After First Deaths
ForbesAUG 2 2024
US, Europe Report 'Sloth Fever' Cases
Image copyright: Harvard Museum of Natural History via Wikimedia Commons.
The Spin
Narrative A
Not only are Sloth Fever and Triple E viruses on the rise, but West Nile virus is also concerningly sweeping through the US. As more and more cases appear, individuals must take precautions including wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using mosquito repellent, and getting rid of standing water. These cases are more examples of the increasing risks of disease to all of us in a warming world — with a disproportionate risk to those in developing countries.
Narrative B
There must be a more systemic approach to smartly containing these outbreaks. Immigration and international travel should be monitored with appropriate health protocols in the US and other nations. Governments must do a better job at screening individuals, and travelers should be better educated on pre- and post-travel health guidance. Proactive government intervention can go a long way towards more effectively snuffing these disease flare-ups when they reach international borders.