- 'Crazy love': Afghans overjoyed to watch star cricketers on home turf
- Putin accuses Ukraine of trying to attack Kursk nuclear plant
- Nestle CEO Schneider to step down after eight years at helm
- Pakistan top court amends religious freedom ruling after protests
- Stocks sputter ahead of Fed chief's speech
- Nepal lifts ban on video-sharing platform TikTok
- Bangladesh revokes diplomatic passport of ex-PM Hasina
- O'Connor romps to Vuelta win, takes significant lead
- Indonesia scraps plan to change election rules after protests
- Brook steadies England after Asitha Fernando strikes for Sri Lanka
- Hamilton backs Grand Prix in Africa amid Rwanda talks
- Truce hopes fade as Gaza rocked by Israeli bombardment, battles
- Mpox vaccine maker says 'better prepared' than in 2022
- Dyche fears Everton could have just 14 first-team players for Spurs trip
- Canada rail freight shut down threatens to disrupt economy
- Harris to take star turn at Democratic convention
- US existing home sales rise in July, ending downward trend
- Unbeaten Verstappen eyes 'very close' Dutch Grand Prix
- Protests as rebuilt tower opens at German church with Nazi links
- A divide opens in Ukraine over giving up land for peace
- Hammers boss Lopetegui will be glad to see transfer window shut
- Leverkusen coach Alonso says Bayern 'favourites' in Bundesliga
- Cannon-Brookes: Australia's billionaire climate warrior
- War cook: Ukrainian soldier-influencer's winning recipe
- Cosplay and queues at Germany gamers gathering
- Verstappen eyes 'very close' Dutch Grand Prix
- Play resumes on second day of England-Sri Lanka first Test
- Taiwan sentences eight soldiers for spying for China
- PSG coach Luis Enrique plays down prospect of more new signings
- Key Indian hospital ends strike but doctor rape protests rage
- Key Indian hospital ends stike but doctor rape protests rage
- Djokovic targets Slam record at US Open, Sinner under cloud
- Ceasefire hopes fade as Gaza fighting rages
- Indonesians protesting election law changes clash with police
- Hurzeler backs record-signing Rutter to be a 'big, big' player at Brighton
- Stock markets buoyed by US rate cut hopes
- England to host Zimbabwe in 2025, Lord's to stage first women's Test in 2026
- India's Modi urges peace ahead of Ukraine visit
- 'Let us choose joy!' Oprah Winfrey urges US voters
- Sicily divers seek final shipwreck missing after Lynch's body found
- Israeli police say 4 arrested in settler attack on Palestinians
- Rain delays second day of England-Sri Lanka first Test
- War cook: Ukrainian soldier-influencer with fans on both sides
- Kenya police offer reward for escaped serial killer suspect
- S. Korean drill to prepare for attack met with confusion
- French court dismisses appeal in Agent Orange case
- War-battered Gaza faces uphill battle against polio
- Floods swamp Bangladesh as nation finds its feet after protests
- Asia tracks Wall St. rally after US jobs data, Fed minutes
- Climate change a mixed blessing for sun-starved Irish vintners
CMSC | 0.16% | 24.94 | $ | |
BTI | -0.13% | 36.254 | $ | |
BCC | -0.98% | 130.77 | $ | |
BP | 0.25% | 33.605 | $ | |
RIO | -1.15% | 62.67 | $ | |
GSK | 0.18% | 41.924 | $ | |
SCS | -0.89% | 13.5 | $ | |
AZN | -0.15% | 85.43 | $ | |
NGG | 0.35% | 65.5 | $ | |
RBGPF | 3.48% | 55.22 | $ | |
JRI | 0.08% | 12.77 | $ | |
RYCEF | 0.93% | 6.48 | $ | |
CMSD | 0.27% | 24.586 | $ | |
RELX | -0.54% | 46.1 | $ | |
VOD | 0.05% | 9.575 | $ | |
BCE | -0.22% | 34.545 | $ |
Cases of bacterial disease rise in Brazil's flooded south
Brazilian authorities on Tuesday reported an increase in cases of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted by rats, in the flooded south, parts of which have been under water for a month.
According to the latest figures from the Rio Grande do Sul State Health Secretariat, five people are confirmed to have died from the disease, while another nine deaths are being investigated.
Authorities have recorded 124 cases, and are verifying 922 others.
The state of Rio Grande do Sul has been battered by rain for weeks, and flooded rivers have transformed the streets of towns and cities into putrid, murky rivers.
The latest official figures, excluding leptospirosis deaths, show that 169 people have died and 53 are still missing.
Some 600,000 people have been displaced.
Leptospirosis is spread via the urine of infected animals, such as rodents and livestock, which contaminates soil or water. The bacteria can survive for weeks, and outbreaks in humans often take place after heavy rain or flooding.
Symptoms can appear from two days to four weeks after exposure, and are similar to that of the flu or dengue, such as headaches, fever and chills.
More serious cases can affect the liver or kidneys.
Brazilian authorities have set up a laboratory to test for suspected cases, and have implemented a vast social media prevention campaign.
"Have you been digging in the mud or walking through flood water and have symptoms of leptospirosis? Go to a health post," said Arita Bergmann, health secretary of Rio Grande do Sul, in a video on Instagram.
"Treatment cannot wait, do not stay at home waiting for it to pass, because it can develop into a serious illness," she added.
P.M.Smith--AMWN