Sumaré concentrates 50% of the cases of sporotrichosis confirmed in the region in 2026 The city of Sumaré (SP) concentrates half of the cases of human sporotrichosis registered in the region of Campinas (SP) in 2026. According to the State Department of Health, three of the six infections confirmed this year occurred in the municipality. The disease is caused by a fungus and transmitted mainly by cats. ? Join the g1 Campinas channel on WhatsApp Contagion in humans occurs through scratches, bites or direct contact with the wounds of infected felines. Veterinarian Vivían Quito explains that the fungus that causes the infection lives in the soil, in wood and plants, but usually lodges in animals' nails. "In cats, the main signs are wounds that do not heal, especially on the nose, ears, paws and tail. Animals that have access to the street are the most vulnerable to contamination", says the veterinarian. Retiree Martina Pereira Menezes caught the disease after interacting with stray cats that appeared in front of her house. She noticed a small injury to her heel, which increased over time. Even though she is undergoing treatment, Martina still suffers from the symptoms. "I don't have a cat, just because they used to come here, sometimes I gave them food. A little ball appeared on my heel and it kept filling, filling, filling. Today my leg is swollen, it won't heal yet, because it tingles inside", he says. Sumaré accounts for 50% of sporotrichosis cases confirmed in the region in 2026 Reproduction/EPTV First signs and treatment For the manager of Sumaré Epidemiological Surveillance, Elane Granja, the lack of information explains the rise in cases in the city. She warns that many people ignore injuries to animals and remain close without seeking professional help. In humans, sporotrichosis begins with redness and small lesions on the skin. If left untreated, the infection evolves into larger wounds, spreads throughout the body and can affect other organs. Treatment with medication lasts three to six months. In case of symptoms, the recommendation is to look for a health center and take the feline to the veterinarian. Experts advise avoiding direct touching of cats' wounds and using gloves and a mask when caring for sick animals. VIDEOS: everything about Campinas and the region See more news about the region on g1 Campinas