By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

Santa Catarina already accounts for the death of 64 monkeys due to yellow fever. The latest epidemics (death or illness of a monkey) were confirmed this Thursday, March 11, in Lages (4), São José do Cerrito (3) and Rio Fortura (1).

Image/CDC

In addition, SC has two confirmed human cases in 2021. The first, recorded in January, was that of a 40-year-old resident of Taió, in the Alto Vale do Itajaí region. The second was confirmed in March, being of a 62 year old man, resident of Águas Mornas, in Greater Florianópolis. Both had no vaccine registration.

For Arieli Fialho, immunization manager of the Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate (DIVE / SC), the disease scenario reinforces the importance of vaccination. “Yellow fever is a serious disease that can lead to death if it is not diagnosed and treated quickly. The vaccine is the best way to prevent the disease. The dose is free and available at health centers ”, he warns.

The vaccination coverage of SC for yellow fever is 76%, however, it is heterogeneous, that is, some regions of the state have indices below. “Especially in the places where we have the record of new epidemics, it is necessary that the population is vaccinated. In Greater Florianópolis and Serra we have the lowest coverage ”, highlights João Augusto Brancher Fuck, director of DIVE / SC.

All residents of Santa Catarina older than nine months should receive the dose. Those who are not sure if they have already had the vaccine, should look for a health unit to check the vaccination booklet.

Yellow fever 

Yellow fever is a serious disease transmitted by forest mosquitoes (Haemagogus and Sabethes). Monkeys, because they live in the same environment as these animals, are the first victims of the disease. “That is why it is so important that the population communicates to health agencies as soon as they find a dead or sick monkey. They signal the region where the virus is circulating ”, explains Renata Gatti, coordinating biologist for the Yellow Fever Surveillance program in the state of Santa Catarina.

The main symptoms of the disease are: abrupt onset of fever, chills, severe headache, back and body pain, nausea and vomiting, weakness and tiredness, abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowish skin). When presenting any signs or symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

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