In two months, Amazonas records a 342% increase in cases of human sporotrichosis

Cases of human sporotrichosis have increased significantly in Amazonas. From January to February 15 of this year, 76 cases of the disease were confirmed in humans, according to a report from the Amazonas Health Surveillance Foundation (FVS-RCP). Now, according to a new report published by the organization this Tuesday (30), in the first four months of this year, the number jumped to 336 confirmed cases. In other words, in two months Amazonas showed a 342% increase in cases of human sporotrichosis.

Still according to the bulletin, 465 cases of sporotrichosis were reported from January to April 2024, with 336 confirmed and 83 under investigation. There are still no deaths related to the disease. The epidemiological bulletin also states that the confirmed cases correspond to people living in Manaus (331), Presidente Figueiredo (3), Barcelos (1) and Careiro (1).

One of the confirmed cases in the capital of Amazonas is that of a 49-year-old administrative assistant, Adzaney Lima, who has been battling the disease for two months.

“It’s a scary business. I was scared by that. I became infected through a cut on my wrist. A cut of a tile. The cut healed, but then it started to burst and create a wound that wouldn’t heal. I was treated with antibiotics, but it didn’t solve anything. When the wound was a little bigger, I was advised to look for the SUS to see what this disease could be. Oh, there was no other way. I was diagnosed with this disease,” the patient told A CRITICA.

Adzaney also highlights that he was seen by three general practitioners who did not identify the disease and only when he was seen by a dermatologist at the Fundação Hospitalar de Dermatologia Tropcial e Venereologia – Alfredo da Matta (Fuham) was he given the correct diagnosis.

“I underwent a week of treatment with the other medication, with an antibiotic given by the general practitioner, but it had no effect. There were some big lumps left, some bumps that hurt a lot, a very strong pain that was really uncomfortable. Now the wound is a little dry, it is no longer growing”, said Adzaney, who is already undergoing the correct treatment after receiving treatment at Fundação Alfredo da Matta – a center specializing in dermatological diseases.

Animal sporotrichosis

Cat infected by the fungus that causes sporotrichosis (Photo: Personal Archive)

If cases of the disease have increased in humans, in animals the number is even more alarming. According to the FVS bulletin this Tuesday (30), based on data from the Municipal Health Department (Semsa), Manaus reported 501 cases of animal sporotrichosis from January to April this year. Of these, 319 were confirmed and 195 are undergoing treatment.

The bulletin also informs that 122 euthanasias/deaths were recorded. The animals that were most affected by the disease were cats, representing 96.2% of total cases. Followed by dogs (3.8%). The animals involved, according to the bulletin, are mostly males (70.1%).

‘Explosion’ of cases

In an interview with A CRITICA, veterinarian Adriana Oliveira, specialized in feline medicine and director of Clínica Gatum – a reference in the treatment of sporotrichosis – an ‘outbreak’ of the disease has been observed in Manaus, mainly in felines.

“Sporotrichosis, also known as “gardener’s disease” and “rose bush disease”, is caused by a fungus of the genus Sporothrix, which affects animals and humans. The animal most exposed to the disease is the cat, but dogs and other animals can also contract the disease. This fungus can be found in the soil, straw, vegetable thorns, wood, decomposing material (people who work with plants and soil can contract it from the environment) and in wounds of already contaminated animals”, described the veterinarian.

Cats are also victims

Adriana reinforces that cat owners should be alert to any signs of the disease. If diagnosed early, it is possible to treat it correctly, avoiding complications such as amputation or, in the worst cases, euthanasia.

“When you notice any injury to your cat, seek veterinary care. Sporotrichosis has a cure. It’s not the cat’s fault. He is a victim of this fungus that can be anywhere. The cat can contract it from the environment or by being bitten or scratched by another cat that is sick. Human beings can contract it from the environment (for example, when working in a vegetable garden, pricking their finger on a thorn). Or when being scratched or bitten by a sick cat. The best thing is to prevent. Do not leave your pet loose on the street. Don’t even let them take the famous stroll down the street”, advises the specialist.