Hospital admissions for assault rose significantly during the Carnival period in Teresina, Brazil, with an average of three cases per day reported by Hospital de Urgência de Teresina (HUT).
During the Carnival festivities from February 13 to February 18, the Hospital de Urgência de Teresina (HUT) recorded a striking 31% increase in admissions due to physical assaults, totaling 21 cases—averaging about three per day. This period also saw a rise in overall hospital admissions, with a total of 860 reported, marking a 9% increase from the previous year's festivities. The hospital's reports indicate a concerning trend where Carnival celebrations correlate with heightened incidents of violence and injuries.
The rise in violence was complemented by a notable increase in surgical procedures, which surged by 15% to reach 294 surgeries. Additionally, hospitalizations climbed to 340 cases, reflecting a 13% rise as compared to the previous year. Traffic accidents remained a prominent cause for this higher volume of hospital visits, with 146 cases recorded, an 11% increase from last year. These statistics paint a picture of the challenges that health services face during large public gatherings such as Carnival.
Dr. Rogério Medeiros, the technical director of HUT, explained that these increases are not unexpected during Carnival, a time characterized by crowd gatherings and alcohol consumption. He urges the public to exercise caution and consider safety as parties and celebrations ramp up, suggesting that the rise in violence and accidents can be mitigated through responsible behavior. This increase in assaults and injuries highlights the ongoing public health challenge the city grapples with during festive seasons.
