Concerns are growing over a brain-attacking virus that is carried by sloths.
Fears are growing about the spread of the Oropouche virus that is carried by sloths
Infections of the Oropouche virus are emerging far away from the Amazon rainforest and scientists fear that areas in Central and South America could be at risk of rapid outbreaks.
Oropouche infections are typically mild - with symptoms similar to Dengue fever including headaches and nausea - but the virus is capable of attacking the brain and causing potentially deadly meningitis.
Outbreaks have been reported in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and even as far away as Cuba - which reported its first cases of Oropouche in May.
Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London, believes "we should all be worried" about the spread of diseases like Oropouche.
He said: "Oropouche is certainly a worry for its uncertainty and, for all those worried about global health, it just feels like climate change is adding to the healthcare burden in a very palpable way, season by season."