Daily Morning News

Following the devastating floods in Brazil, an outbreak of waterborne disease has tragically claimed the lives of four individuals.

Authorities in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul have confirmed 54 cases of the waterborne leptospirosis disease after the region experienced unprecedented floods in April and May.

Four people have died after contracting an illness that is transmitted through water contaminated with infected animals' urine, such as rats. The state's health department is currently investigating as many as 800 suspected cases.

In addition to the illness, more than 165 people were killed in the floods and many others are still missing.

The Brazilian government has described the situation as a "climate disaster," with more than 2.3 million Brazilians from 469 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul being affected.

At least 581,000 people are displaced, and temporary accommodation has been able to house 55,000 Gauchos (people from Rio Grande do Sul), according to local media reports.

Many cities in the state are still under water, which could lead to an increase in leptospirosis cases. The disease's symptoms include fever, muscle ache, and nausea followed by vomiting.