In January 2026, Feira de Santana, the second-largest city in Bahia, Brazil, reported 769 cases of diarrhea according to the data from the Epidemiological Surveillance (Viep). This number reflects a decline from the 1,252 cases logged during the same month in the previous year. In total, the municipality had 9,317 reported cases of diarrhea throughout 2025. This statistic is critical as it indicates a possible improvement in public health measures or a change in environmental conditions that could reduce the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases.

Diarrhea is commonly linked to the consumption of spoiled food, particularly during the summer months when high temperatures can accelerate food spoilage. However, the disease can also stem from other causes, including water and food contamination, as well as viral infections like influenza, COVID-19, and dengue. Understanding these various causes is essential for public awareness and health campaigns, especially in regions prone to these illnesses due to climate and seasonal factors.

Nutritionist Lázaro Melo from Viep emphasized that diarrhea should not be solely attributed to dietary factors. He pointed out a significant relationship between diarrhea and certain viral infections, suggesting that the public's perception often simplifies a complex health issue by connecting it exclusively to food intake. This underscores the need for comprehensive awareness strategies that educate residents about prevention methods and the broader range of potential causes of diarrhea, particularly in the context of seasonal health trends.