"Super El Niño": how an extreme phenomenon can impact the health of Brazilians

The arrival of El Niño could have direct impacts on the health of Brazilians. The phenomenon, which is characterized by an increase in temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is expected to develop between May and June and, according to experts, will be enhanced by the planet's climatic conditions. In Brazil, there is a major drought in the North and Northeast regions and, simultaneously, a greater occurrence of rain in the South and Southeast.

The last occurrence of El Niño (2023 and 2024) took global temperatures to record levels. The tendency is for projections to become more accurate over the next few weeks, as the warming of the Pacific advances and the phenomenon is officially configured.

See what experts say about the main health effects and how to protect yourself from high temperatures and dehydration.

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Intense heat waves pose cardiovascular risks
Intense heat waves mainly promote dehydration, loss not only of water, but also of electrolytes through more intense sweating. Systemic and marked vasodilation can strain the heart. This is what Luiz Aparecido Bortolotto, cardiologist and director of the Hypertension Unit at InCor-HCFMUSP explains: "People with pre-existing heart conditions, such as hypertension or a history of heart attack, are at greater risk in this scenario of high temperatures", he explains.

"There is a greater chance of arrhythmias due to the loss of electrolytes and changes in blood flow", adds the doctor. "The blood becomes more viscous, increasing the likelihood of clot formation and conditions such as cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) or heart attacks."

He adds that high temperatures can also cause drops in blood pressure. The condition can cause fainting and put the elderly at risk. "Hydration during these periods is very important to avoid these complications", warns Bortolotto.

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Intense heat and rain are favorable to the circulation of diseases
The expert explains that high temperatures and humid weather make the environment favorable to the proliferation of some diseases, especially arboviruses, transmitted by mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti. Cases of dengue and chikungunya may increase during this period and, therefore, the adoption of preventive measures by both authorities and the population is essential.

"In some more prone regions, there is also a risk of malaria circulating; mosquitoes may also circulate more. So, take these precautions", points out the doctor. The Anopheles cruzii mosquito is the main vector of malaria and lives in areas of the Atlantic Forest.

Respiratory diseases can also appear more intensely during this period. Bronchiolitis, asthma and the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza are enhanced by air quality, which is altered due to adverse weather conditions.

Main measures to protect yourself from the effects of high temperatures
The doctor highlights that some measures can be adopted not only during the El Niño period, but to mitigate the effects of any adverse weather phenomenon. He cites the greater availability of green areas to maintain a cooler environment and the government's provision of drinking water sources at strategic points.

"These measures must be adopted in the long term, continuously maintaining adequate irrigation for regions that are more prone to drought", he argues. "When there is greater drought, there is also an increase in pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to advise people to avoid going out and being exposed during periods of the day with higher temperatures", he explains.

Next El Niño could cause disruption to the global economy by 2029

Source: CNN