Brazil: Public warned of increased risk of leptospirosis in Rio Grande do Sul
The Ministry of Health in Rio Grande do Sul state in southern Brazil is advising health care professionals to begin treatment against leptospirosis immediately, without the need for laboratory confirmation, due to the increased risk caused by flooding in the state.
The ministry highlighted that the occurrence of leptospirosis is related to precarious conditions of sanitary infrastructure and the high infestation of rodents infected by the disease. “In scenarios of climate disasters, such as floods, the spread and persistence of the bacteria in the environment can facilitate the occurrence of outbreaks of the disease”, they noted in a statement.
The recommendation is that patients who have fever and pain, especially in the lower back and calf region, and who have had contact with flood water or mud for a period of up to 30 days before the onset of symptoms, receive treatment with chemoprophylaxis. “This way, the health system will be able to capture more cases in the initial phase of the disease”, highlighted the note.
“In addition, information must be disseminated to all people who have had contact with flood water or mud, about the signs and symptoms of the disease and where they can seek medical assistance. Officials call for differential diagnosis to be established for respiratory diseases, acute diarrhea, urinary tract infections, sepsis and hepatitis A”.
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If wading in flood cannot be avoided, the DOH advises everyone to wear boots, cover open wounds, and keep flood water from entering eyes, ears, and mouth to avoid bacterial infection.
Reuters reports heavy rains have caused several rivers and lakes in Rio Grande do Sul to hit their highest levels ever, while floods blocked streets and disrupted logistics, triggering a shortage of essential goods in certain areas.
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Storms and floods battering the state, home to some 10.9 million people, have also displaced almost 340,000 while another 141 people are still unaccounted for, civil defense said.
The death toll from historic floods in Brazil's southernmost state reached 126, according to local authorities.
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an acute febrile infectious disease transmitted from direct or indirect exposure to the urine of animals, mainly rats, infected by the bacteria Leptospira. The bacteria penetrates through lesions on the skin, through mucous membranes or through intact skin immersed for long periods in contaminated water.
The incubation period, that is, the time interval between transmission and the onset of symptoms, can vary from one to 30 days, but normally occurs between seven and 14 days after exposure to risk situations. The disease has a high incidence in certain areas of the country and the risk of fatality can reach 40% in the most serious cases.
The occurrence is related to precarious conditions of sanitary infrastructure and the high infestation of infected rodents. Floods such as those recorded in Rio Grande do Sul since the end of April encourage the spread and persistence of the bacteria in the environment, facilitating the occurrence of outbreaks.