Waterborne disease outbreak after Brazil floods kills four
Authorities in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state have confirmed 54 cases of the waterborne disease leptospirosis following unprecedented floods in April and May.
Four people have died from the disease, which spreads through water contaminated with urine from infected animals, such as rats.
The state’s health department reported that approximately 800 suspected cases are under investigation.
The floods have claimed the lives of over 165 people, with many others still missing.
More than 2.3 million Brazilians across 469 municipalities have been impacted by what the Brazilian government has termed a “climate disaster.”
At least 581,000 people are displaced, though temporary shelters have accommodated 55,000 Gauchos (residents of Rio Grande do Sul).
Many cities in the state remain flooded, potentially leading to an increase in leptospirosis cases.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle aches, and nausea, followed by vomiting.
The state’s health department has cautioned that floodwaters might mix with sewage, spreading diseases such as leptospirosis and hepatitis A.
Although Brazil vaccinates its population against hepatitis A, the scale of the flooding has prompted advice to avoid consuming potentially contaminated water or food.
Ongoing recovery and rescue efforts are supported by more than R$1.8 billion (£275 million, $348 million) allocated by the federal government to aid Rio Grande do Sul.
As the floodwaters recede, the full extent of the damage is becoming evident. Returning residents are trying to salvage their belongings.
Critics have accused the governor of Rio Grande do Sul of exacerbating the damage due to his environmental policies.
In an article published on Folha, journalist Eleonora de Lucena wrote that Rio Grande do Sul’s right-wing leadership has meant local politicians were catering to the interests of soya farmers and neglecting environmental protection commitments.
Under Governor Eduardo Leite’s leadership, more than 400 changes to the state’s environmental legislation have been made including a law that allows dams to be built in environmentally protected areas.
But during an interview with BBC Brasil last week, Mr Leite defended his policies, adding that dams in protected areas would allow for food production.
The floods were a result of intense and unprecedented rainfall in the region. But a hydroelectric dam collapsed after days of heavy rain at the beginning of May exacerbating mass displacement.
