The number of deaths caused by Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Minas Gerais has risen to four, informed the State Health Secretariat (SES-MG) this Friday (23). The most recent cases were registered in Conselheiro Lafaiete, in the Central region. Exams carried out by the Ezequiel Dias Foundation (Funed) confirmed that the couple Adriana Fernandes, 25, and Marcos Gabriel Lopes, 23, had the disease. They died on the 11th and 13th of June respectively. As a result, Minas already accounts for at least 11 cases of the disease in 2023.
Adriana and Marcos lived in the Amaro Ribeiro neighborhood, in Conselheiro Lafaiete, but, according to the city hall, “the likely site of infection is still under investigation”. They showed symptoms of the disease on the 10th and were hospitalized, but the disease evolved quickly, according to the municipal administration.
read more:
According to the State Department of Health, symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include fever, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, constant muscle pain, swelling and redness in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, gangrene in the fingers and ears, in addition to paralysis of the limbs that starts in the legs and can reach the lungs, which can lead to respiratory arrest.
Still according to SES, with the evolution of the disease, red spots may appear on the wrists and ankles, which do not itch, but which can increase towards the palms of the hands, arms or soles of the feet. Treatment is carried out with antibiotics and should be started early, in the early stages of the disease, as a way to avoid complications and deaths.
How to prevent Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted to humans through contact with the star tick, a parasite that can be found in animals such as capybaras, pacas, horses and goats. The best form of prevention is to avoid contact with the tick. For this, it is important to follow the tips below:
