In the first two months of the year, Rio state had 24 confirmed cases and three deaths from leptospirosis. In the same period last year, 71 cases were reported, according to the state health department (SES), which warns of the risk of the disease after heavy rains hit parts of the state. According to the file, people who were exposed to water or mud from floods and who have a fever associated with a headache or muscle aches should seek refuge in a health unit. The purpose of the alert is to avoid severe cases and deaths from disease, which increased in incidence after the floods. “The state health department has been alerting municipal health departments to step up monitoring and prevention, and has advised residents to adopt proper post-rain precipitation care with hypochlorite,” Health Minister Dr. Luizinho said in a note. .
Leptospirosis deaths are analyzed to confirm the cause. In addition to the three deaths confirmed in Rio municipality, one fatality is under investigation in São Gonçalo. Last year, 32 deaths were confirmed. Data were obtained on February 27, from the Notifiable Disease Information System and are subject to revision.
what is that disease
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a bacterium, Leptospira, found in contaminated rodent urine. The disease is transmitted to humans through direct or indirect exposure to contaminated urine from these animals, which can be carried by water in floods. The bacteria invade the body through small cuts on the skin, mucous membranes, or healthy skin immersed for a long time in contaminated water. The initial stage of leptospirosis lasts approximately three to seven days. The main symptoms are fever, headache and body aches, especially in calves, and vomiting, diarrhea and cough may also occur. At any sign of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and report contact with water, mud from floods, sewage or contaminated water, so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. In its most severe form, jaundice (a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes) usually appears and special care is needed as a result of hospitalization. The patient may also suffer from bleeding, meningitis, renal, hepatic and respiratory failure.
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