Authorities in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, have confirmed 54 cases of leptospirosis, a waterborne disease, following unprecedented floods in April and May. The disease, transmitted through water contaminated with infected animal urine, has resulted in four deaths.
The state’s health department is investigating 800 suspected cases.
The floods have killed over 165 people, with many still missing, and affected more than 2.3 million residents across 469 municipalities. Described as a “climate disaster” by the Brazilian government, the floods have displaced at least 581,000 people, with 55,000 housed in temporary accommodations.
Many areas remain underwater, raising concerns that leptospirosis cases could rise.
Leptospirosis symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and nausea followed by vomiting. The health department has warned that floodwater may mix with sewage, potentially spreading diseases like leptospirosis and hepatitis A. While Brazil vaccinates against hepatitis A, the government advises avoiding potentially contaminated water and food.
Ongoing recovery and rescue efforts have seen the federal government allocate over R$1.8 billion (£275 million, $348 million) to support the state. As floodwaters recede, the extent of the damage is becoming clearer.
Residents who have returned are attempting to salvage their belongings.
Rio Grande do Sul, home to over 10 million people across 497 municipalities, borders Uruguay and Argentina. Critics accuse the state’s governor, Eduardo Leite, of contributing to the disaster due to his environmental policies. Journalist Eleonora de Lucena, writing in Folha, criticized the state’s right-wing leadership for favoring soya farmers over environmental protection.
Leite has defended his policies, arguing that dams in protected areas are necessary for food production. The floods, caused by intense rainfall and exacerbated by a hydroelectric dam collapse in early May, have led to significant displacement and damage.
