Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted by tick-borne bacteria and cases are more frequent in the southeast, especially in the interior of São Paulo
This week, the Adolfo Lutz Institute confirmed the deaths of dentist Mariana Giordano, her boyfriend, Douglas Costa, and a 28-year-old girl from the Rockies with spotted fever. The three were in a farm in Campinas that organizes big concerts and events. On-site activities have been suspended.
Between 2012 and 2022, 753 people died of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Health. During the same period, the country recorded 2,157 confirmed cases, 36% of which were registered in São Paulo. Considering only deaths, the municipalities of São Paulo represent 62% of the total (467 deaths). Thus, the southeast region is the one with the highest incidence of the disease in the country.
What is spotted fever?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infectious disease transmitted by ticks, the natural vector of disease-causing bacteria. “This contact can happen when we travel to a field region where this tick is found, or when we come into contact with certain animals, such as dogs, wild animals and horses, that have the tick,” explains Dr. Evaldo Stanislau, professor of medicine at the São Judas Tadeu University and infectious disease specialist at the Hospital das Clínicas of the USP Medical School (HC-FMUSP).
Evaldo reiterates that Rocky Mountain spotted fever is described primarily in interior São Paulo and parts of Minas state. “If you go to a country region and you see the tick on your skin, or even if you don’t notice it, but when you come back from a region at risk and feel, a few days later, a case of body aches, fever, headache and red spotsask a doctor for advice and tell him clearly where and when you were”, guides the infectologist.
This conduct is essential, as the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever are very similar to those of various infectious diseases. “So if the person doesn’t tell the doctor about their risk exposure, we will waste valuable time investigating other diseases,” warns Dr. Evaldo Stanislaus.
Treatment
Treatment of the disease requires a specific antibiotic. If another drug is used, even if it is good and strong, as the doctor says, it will not work to cure Rocky Mountain spotted fever. That is why correct diagnosis is so important.
“These cases [de mortes por febre maculosa] unfortunately they serve as a warning to make us pay special attention and pay more attention to where we go and what we do,” says the university professor.
The doctor reiterates the importance, upon returning from these walks in risk areas, to clearly feel the presence of symptoms, because this attitude can make a difference. “Otherwise, the evolution of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be very serious and often fatal without proper treatment,” he warns.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
