Florianópolis on alert for a diarrhea epidemic: there are already more than 1,200 cases

The Municipal Secretary of Health of Florianopolis concession that the Brazilian city is going through an epidemic of cases of diarrhea at the beginning of this summer 2023, where they were already counted 1,251 people affected. In addition, the authorities of the state of Santa Catarina stated that they still cause unknown that provokes it

From the entity indicating that it is rebound to residents and touristsat the same time that 914 cases were identified in the Prompt Care Unit (UPA) of the north zone, in Canasvieirasand in the South UPA, 337 patients were registered.

health during travel

“The causes are being investigated, and one of the hypotheses is that the cases may be related to places not suitable for bathing on some beachesespecially in the north of the island,” he said in an official statement.

Meanwhile, the Institute of the Environment of Santa Catarina (IMA) issued a report stating that on beaches such as Canasvieiras and Ingleses, most areas are not suitable for bathing. In detail, this Brazilian state has some 237 tourist spots, of which 124 of them have a load of Escherichia coli higher than tolerable.

In addition, around more than 50% of the spas in Florianópolis, one of the destinations in the neighboring country that Argentines choose the most, they would not be either fit for the recreational use of its waters.

The Epidemiological Surveillance Board is monitoring cases in municipalities, and held a meeting with the health operators of Florianópolis and Itajaí. Samples were also collected for analysis by the Central Laboratory of Public Health of Santa Catarina (Lacen) in order to identify the agent that is causing the epidemic.

Acute diarrheal diseases

On the other hand, the Board informed that this type of disease can be Causes by viruses, bacteria and fungi, and that some factors that contribute to a person contracting diarrhea are: ingestion of contaminated water, ice, or food of unknown origin; consumption of raw or undercooked meat, fish and/or shellfish.

Among other reasons, the specialists pointed out against the possible intake of poorly preserved food; bathing in polluted water; direct contact with a sick person; and lack hygienic habits.

recommendations

Due to this type of cadres, from the municipal secretary they asked to take into account certain types of care:

• Avoid dehydration,
• Handwashing,
• Drink water qualified for consumption,
• Avoid foods that contain raw eggs,
• Verify the expiration date of the processed food products,
• Do not bathe in unsuitable beaches,
• Avoid swallowing seawater and taking animals to the beach.

FP/CCM