Understand more about the spotted fever outbreak in SP

An outbreak of spotted fever was seen in Campinas, a city located in the interior of São Paulo. The events took place at Fazenda Santa Margarida, in the eastern part of the municipality, characterizing a region at risk of suffering from the disease. The city hall reported the condition of the disease at the site and stated the presence of six occurrences, with two suspected of infection and four people confirmed with the disease.

Among the six cases, two people are being monitored at the hospital and four have died. Among the individuals who lost their lives, all were at Fazenda Santa Margarida on May 27th.

The case had four deaths, including the couple made up of dentist Mariana Giordano, aged 36, and motorsport driver Douglas Costa, aged 42, in addition to the death of the 28-year-old from the city of Hortolândia. All dead on June 8th. The fourth confirmed death was of a 16-year-old teenager found this Thursday (15).

For cases with suspected disease, a 38-year-old female, also from the city of the incident, was at Santa Margarida Farm on June 3 and began to show symptoms seven days later. For the other suspected case, it was registered in a 40-year-old female, who lived in Hortolândia and also had the first symptoms on June 10.

How does the infection happen

Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Brazil is transmitted by ticks and caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, with an endemic disease in the southeastern region of the country, with a lethality rate greater than 50%, as disclosed by the Ministry of Health.

The disease promotes infection that can cause inflammation of blood vessels, with reports ranging from mild symptoms to more severe cases. The proximity of symptoms to other diseases and late diagnosis can lead to death caused by the disease.

main symptoms

According to a note released by Guaratinguetá City Hall, the main symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include “Fever above 39°C and chills, severe headache, conjunctivitis, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, constant muscle pain, insomnia and difficulty resting, swelling and redness on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.”

how to prevent

Guys, important message: watch the video and learn how to prevent spotted fever. It is very important to follow the recommendations in areas subject to the presence of ticks.

pic.twitter.com/W5igjmqgyQ

— City Hall of Campinas (@campinaspref) June 14, 2023

_{How to prevent Rocky Mountain spotted fever. (Reproduction/Twitter: @campinaspref)}

As the city of Campinas released for prevention, it is important when entering areas with ticks, do not self-medicate, avoid areas of vegetation, especially in regions with infestation of ticks. Upon arriving home, take a hot shower, inspect the body and gently twist to remove the tick with tweezers, avoiding crushing and squeezing the parasite.

Featured photo: Tick, vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever disease. (Reproduction/Twitter/@mellziland)