Leptospirosis, known as ‘flood disease’, has claimed two lives in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazilafter a series of heavy rains that devastated the region at the beginning of the month.
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This bacterial disease, which is primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated water, represents a serious health risk in flood-affected areas.
Symptoms of this condition include “body pain, malaise, fever, and sometimes more severe complications such as meningitis and bleeding,” which shows its potential seriousness.
The recent floods in Rio Grande do Sul not only left fatalities, but also many displaced people and significant material damage, exacerbating the spread of waterborne diseases.
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In addition to leptospirosis, Dr. Kfouri warns of other health risks such as hepatitis A, typhoid fever and salmonellosis, which can also spread under similar conditions.
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These events underscore the urgency for health authorities, doctors, and shelter volunteers to be especially vigilant and prepared to respond to a spectrum of public health conditions that often follow natural disasters such as floods.
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*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on information from O Globo, and was reviewed by a journalist and an editor.
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