Floods in Brazil Bring Deadly Aftermath: Two Deaths from Waterborne Disease Reported

The devastating floods in southern Brazil have claimed two lives due to waterborne bacterial disease, with authorities warning of more fatalities to come. Leptospirosis, an infectious disease transmitted through contaminated water, has taken the lives of a 33-year-old man and a 67-year-old man in Rio Grande do Sul state.

As floodwaters slowly recede in southern Brazil, a grim toll is emerging: two deaths from waterborne bacterial disease and a warning that more fatalities are likely. The first two deaths from leptospirosis, an infectious disease transmitted through contaminated water, were reported in Rio Grande do Sul state. A 33-year-old man succumbed to the disease on Wednesday, and a 67-year-old man had already died on Monday.

The relentless flooding, which has spanned over two weeks, has left at least 161 people dead, with 82 still missing, according to state authorities. Over 600,000 individuals were forced to evacuate their homes, and tens of thousands remain in shelters.

Health experts had predicted a surge in infectious diseases such as leptospirosis and hepatitis B in the wake of the floods, as sewage mixed into the floodwaters. "There are those who die during the flood and there is the aftermath of the flood," said Paulo Saldiva, a professor at the University of Sao Paulo medical school who studies the health impacts of climate change. "The lack of potable water itself will mean that people will start using water from reservoirs that is not of good quality."

The unprecedented disaster has impacted over 80% of Rio Grande do Sul's municipalities and damaged critical infrastructure. Over 3,000 health establishments, including hospitals, pharmacies, health centers, and private clinics, have been affected.

"The outbreak of leptospirosis cases was somewhat expected due to the number of people exposed to the water, as well as other diseases," said Carlos Machado, a public health and environmental expert appointed by Fiocruz, the federal government's health research institute, to monitor the flood's impact. "We have never seen in Brazil a disaster of this size and with such a large exposed population."

Despite disruptions to infrastructure and health services, local health authorities are striving to provide prophylaxis for infectious diseases and guidance to residents returning home on how to mitigate exposure risks. Machado emphasized that the interruption of health services can have long-lasting consequences for patients with chronic diseases, as treatment and care are disrupted. Individuals often evacuate during disasters without their prescriptions or identification.

"The health department is working hard to guarantee medication to patients with chronic diseases," he said. "This is a complex and challenging situation, but we are committed to safeguarding the health of our communities."