Authorities in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul have confirmed 54 cases of the waterborne, leptospirosis disease after the region experienced unprecedented floods in the months of April and May.
Four others have died after contracting the illness, which is transmitted through water contaminated with infected animals’ urine, like rats.
As many as 800 suspected cases are currently being investigated, the state’s health department said in a statement.
More than 165 people were killed in the floods and many others are still missing.
More than 2.3 million Brazilians from 469 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul have been affected by what has been described as a “climate disaster” by the Brazilian government.
At least 581,000 people are displaced, while temporary accommodation has been able to house 55,000 Gauchos (people from Rio Grande do Sul), according to local media reports.
Many cities in the state are still under water and conditions could see leptospirosis cases go up.
The disease’s symptoms include fever, muscle ache and nausea followed by vomiting.
The state’s health department has warned residents that flood water may mix with sewage, leading to the transmission of diseases like leptospirosis and hepatitis A.
BBC / Titilayo Kupoliyi
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