Since the beginning of May, four deaths due to the disease have occurred in the state; contamination is facilitated by contact with water
In the. two other people died Rio Grande do Sul victims of leptospirosis, as confirmed by the State Department of Health on Thursday 23. The transmission of this disease is facilitated by floods such as the one that hit the state since the beginning of the month. There are now four dead victims and 54 confirmed cases. In total, 1,140 cases were reported and investigated. Four other deaths are currently being investigated, which occurred in Encantado, Sapucaia, Viamão and Tramandaí.
The most recent victims are two men: a resident of Cachoeirinha, 56, who died on May 19, and another from Porto Alegre, 50, who died on May 18. The two cases were confirmed by a sample analyzed by the Central State Laboratory (Lacen), in Porto Alegre.
The other two deaths were confirmed on Tuesday 21st. The first confirmed victim was a 67-year-old man resident in Travesseiro, a city in the Vale do Taquari region, while the second was a 33-year-old man who lived in Venâncio Aires and was died last Friday, 17th.
Other cases and deaths had already been recorded in Rio Grande do Sul before the period of public disaster that began in May. According to the Ministry of Health, in 2024, as of April 19, there were already 129 cases and six deaths. In 2023 there were 477 cases with 25 deaths.
Leptospirosis is an acute febrile infectious disease transmitted through direct or indirect exposure to the urine of infected animals (primarily rats), which may be present in water or mud from flooded areas. Infection can occur through skin contact with contaminated water or through mucous membranes. Symptoms normally appear five to 14 days after contamination and can last up to 30 days.
Although leptospirosis is an endemic disease, with systematic circulation, episodes such as floods increase the possibility of infection. Therefore, the Department of Health recommends that the population contact the health service at the first symptoms: fever, headache, weakness, muscle pain (especially in the calves) and chills.
Treatment with antibiotics should be started as soon as a healthcare provider suspects the disease. For mild cases, treatment is outpatient, but in more serious cases hospitalization must be immediate, with the aim of avoiding complications and reducing lethality. Self-medication is not recommended.
When the disease is suspected, the recommendation is to contact a health service and report contacts with risk exposure. The use of antibiotics, according to medical advice, is indicated at any stage of the disease, but their effectiveness is usually greatest in the first week after the onset of symptoms.
In places invaded by rainwater it is recommended to disinfect the environment with bleach (2.5% sodium hypochlorite), in the proportion of a glass of bleach for a 20-litre bucket of water. Other preventative measures include storing food in tightly closed containers, keeping the kitchen clean without food debris, removing food scraps or pet food before nightfall, keeping the land clean, and avoiding debris and accumulations of objects in the yard that they help prevent the presence of rodents. Sunlight also helps kill bacteria.
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.
