This Thursday (15th), life went on as usual in Joaquim Egídio, Campinas, in the interior of São Paulo. Small groups formed under some awnings on the sidewalks and one of the topics was invariably the outbreak of spotted fever, which made the district “famous overnight” due to the four deaths caused by the disease.
The mood among residents of Joaquim, where the Santa Margarida farm is located, the epicenter of the spotted fever outbreak in Campinas, is one of apprehension due to the deaths. Among traders, the feeling is distrust and fear that customers disappear from the region.
The mayor’s office said it had taken the necessary measures to deal with the disease.
Joaquim Egídio, which has a large rural area, has around 5,000 inhabitants, according to its subprefecture. On weekends, the region receives another 5,000.
“People are scared, but it’s more people who come from outside. Those who are from here are used to it, they don’t change their routine,” said production operator Sonia Moraes, 50, as she left a farm in the district.
Waitress Adriana Faria, 58, said that, unlike her, the 81-year-old mother is apprehensive. “My mother is an older person and she is scared. We are always afraid, especially in the dry season because we know there are more ticks, but I am not scared because this disease has existed for a long time.”
The day laborer Vilma Fernandes, 57, who works in the center of the district and has lived on a farm for 15 years, where her son works, is considering leaving the region. “People always comment that there are times when you need to be very careful, but I’ve never heard of death. I’m really worried, wanting to leave completely, but there’s no way. I don’t even know how to deal with that.”
According to a woman who lives and works at Fazenda Santa Margarida, seven employees and some children live there and there has never been a situation like this one. She, who asked not to be named, said everyone is scared.
The farm is in a condominium of farms and farms, with lots of vegetation around, cut by water courses and dozens of capybaras.
The report circulated through several neighborhoods in the district and did not find any signs indicating the possible presence of ticks and the risks of contact.
Among traders on Joaquim’s gastronomic circuit, the fear is of losing customers and suffering losses at a time when they are still trying to recover from the effects of the Covid pandemic.
Sandra Marques, 65, owner of Cabrita Café, attributed the deaths to lack of information. Her establishment is located in an area of environmental preservation, with the Ribeirão das Cabras in the background. “People arrive here and the first thing they want to do is take off their shoes and step on the grass. We had a ‘put your foot on the grass, to recharge, exchange energy’ board. But let’s be careful and not make it easy.”
She removed the plate. On the pictures in the environment, she drew a tick and wrote information about Rocky Mountain spotted fever and how to proceed in case of symptoms. “Information is fundamental, it’s educational, you have to know what kind of clothes to wear, for example, when entering a green area, pay attention to your body.”
In Sandra’s assessment, starting this weekend, trade should feel the effects of the outbreak. “Joaquim will empty out, tourists will retreat, especially those who come to restaurants, cafes. This will happen for a while, but, after they have information, I believe they will return.”
Abrasel (Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants) Regional Campinas and Adegas (Association of Directors of Gastronomy Establishments), from the Sousas and Joaquim Egídio nucleus, suggested that traders follow the guidelines of the city hall and the Health Department and that they do maintenance of open areas and reinforcement of spraying in their establishments. In addition, the entities asked that they guide and provide information to employees and customers.
The City Hall of Campinas said it will place signs and warnings about the disease in the region. Still according to the municipal management, educational campaigns will help tourists and visitors to enjoy the gastronomy and all leisure and tourism opportunities with the necessary security.
