The Ministry of Health has updated to 53 the number of cases of spotted fever confirmed this year in the country, with eight deaths recorded. All deaths occurred in the Southeast Region — six in São Paulo, one in Minas Gerais and one in Rio de Janeiro. As for the number of cases, the highest concentration of occurrences is verified in the Southeast (30) and South (17) regions. According to the folder, in general, cases appear sporadically. The transmission of Rocky Mountain spotted fever occurs only through contact with the star tick infected by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia. Therefore, there is no transmission from person to person. “Timely treatment is essential to avoid more severe forms of the disease and deaths”, warns the ministry. According to the folder, as soon as the first symptoms appear, the patient should look for health units for medical evaluation and treatment available in the Unified Health System (SUS). The ministry informs that it has promoted recurrent training actions aimed at state and municipal surveillance, involving surveillance and health care professionals. In a note, the folder informs that an antimicrobial drug is being used to treat Rocky Mountain spotted fever and that all federative units are stocked with priority drugs to treat the disease, including São Paulo. The note also says that it has a strategic stock for sending new shipments to the states that need it. Campinas On the outbreak of spotted fever in Campinas, in the interior of São Paulo, the ministry says it maintains contact with the state to follow up on surveillance and assistance actions. According to the folder, the municipality is an endemic area, and the seasonal period for the disease runs from May to September. For areas considered at risk, the ministry recommends the use of clothes that cover the entire body, prioritizing pants, blouses or T-shirts with long sleeves and closed shoes. In addition, light-colored clothes are indicated so that ticks are more easily seen by the body. “Examine the body frequently — the faster the ticks are removed, the less chance of infections. If an animal is infested with ticks, seek advice from a veterinarian,” says the note.
Agência Brasil
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