What is known about the outbreak at a hospital in Espírito Santo that infected more than 30 people?

The Espírito Santo Health Department is investigating an outbreak in a hospital that has already infected more than 30 people.

The cases occurred at Santa Rita de Cássia Hospital in Vitória. A total of 33 workers in an oncology ward presented respiratory symptoms similar to pneumonia.

According to the ministry, most of those infected were treated and have already been discharged. Six people remain hospitalized in isolation.

Another 12 people who had been in the ward in recent days and presented similar symptoms were hospitalized and remain under monitoring.

At a press conference on Monday 27, the state's Health Secretary, Tyago Hoffmann, stated that he had ruled out the possibility of the infections being viral — such as coronavirus and influenza A and B — and said he was investigating bacteria and fungi.

The tests are carried out at the Espírito Santo Central Public Health Laboratory and at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.

"We are also working with the hypothesis of an environmental cause, which is why we collected samples from surfaces, water, furniture, and the air conditioning system," the secretary added.

According to the ministry, there have been no new cases related to the outbreak since last Wednesday, the 22nd. Health units are advised to notify the ministry if patients present with respiratory symptoms consistent with the condition.

According to health authorities, all hospital services, including surgeries, exams, and cancer treatments, are operating normally. Since the infections were not transmitted from person to person, according to the hospital, mask use is not recommended on site or in the surrounding area.