Central State Laboratory provides tests for those affected by the floods
Lacen (Central Laboratory) in Rio Grande do Sul stated this Saturday (May 25, 2024) that it analyzes more than 800 samples from suspected cases of leptospirosis.
A Rio Grande do Sul Health Department says it follows the increase in probable contamination associated with the floods and, consequently, the increase in the population’s exposure to the disease.
The agency declared that Lacen has 2 types of tests for diagnosing leptospirosis: 1 molecular biology test, known as RT-PCR, and another serological test.
RT-PCR detects the bacteria present in the patient’s body. It is indicated for the analysis of samples collected in the first days of signs of the disease. Samples from patients with up to 7 days of symptoms can be analyzed using this method.
Serological diagnosis detects the antibody produced by the patient’s body in response to the infection caused by the leptospira bacteria. The exam is indicated for analyzing samples from those who have had symptoms for 7 days or more.
Tests are available for anyone considered suspicious and exposed to the floods. The laboratory receives samples from 7am to 7pm.
Numbers
Until last Thursday (May 23), Rio Grande do Sul registered 1,072 notifications of leptospirosis and 54 confirmed cases, in addition to 4 confirmed deaths from the disease and another 4 under investigation.
The disease
Leptospirosis is an acute febrile infectious disease. It is transmitted through direct or indirect exposure to the urine of infected animals – mainly rats. Contagion can occur from skin lesions or even uninjured skin if immersed for long periods in contaminated water.
The infection can also be transmitted through mucous membranes. The period for symptoms to appear can vary from 1 to 30 days. The main characteristics of leptospirosis are fever, headache, weakness, body aches (especially in the calf) and chills.
When experiencing symptoms, the recommendation is to seek a health service and report whether there was exposure. The use of antibiotics, as per medical advice, is indicated at any stage of the disease, but the effectiveness is usually greater in the first week after the onset of symptoms.
“It is not necessary to wait for laboratory diagnosis to start treatment”says the Rio Grande do Sul Health Department.
With information from Brazil Agency.
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