At least 104 patients were infected with Fusarium fungus during cataract surgery in Amapá. Endophthalmitis, an infection of the inside of the eye, has affected some people who have had surgery and even caused blindness.

Patients reported “blindness” after joint surgery in Amapa – Photo: Freepik/Reproduction/ND

Fungal infection led to blindness

The infected group is among 141 patients treated in early September. The type of fungus that causes the infection is very common in plants and grains.

These services are part of the Mais Visão program, which received a parliamentary amendment, but are carried out by a service provider company within the framework of an agreement between the Government of Amapá and the Center for the Advancement of Humanity Frey Daniel de Samarate/Capucinhos.

According to data released by the Capuchins, Mais Visão opened in 2020 and has already provided more than 100,000 consultations and is considered the largest cataract surgery service in the state.

A group of operations has been carried out in Amapa since 2020 – Photo: Government of Amapa/Disclosure/ND

“The state Department of Health Services transfers federal resources to this organization, which in turn hires an outsourcing company responsible for patient procedures. The last transfer under the agreement was made in September,” the secretariat explained.

“The state understands that the activities of Maysa Visao have helped thousands of people with successful cases and countless reports of complete restoration of vision. Despite this, given what happened, the Capuchins stopped providing services immediately after the first reports of infection, and the program was suspended on October 6.”

Before surgery, patients underwent a preliminary examination. The program began operating in Amapá in 2020 – Photo: Government of Amapá/Disclosure/ND

According to the secretariat, patients receive all the necessary support and are also helped with the costs associated with medical care due to fungal infection.

“The support provided to families by the company responsible for the procedures is also closely monitored by the State Government. Patients are provided with medical care, medications, transportation, travel to other states and psychological assistance around the clock,” the statement said.

The MP-AP (Ministry of State of Amapá) heard last week from representatives of the authorities involved in the program, including the Governor and Minister of Health of the state, Clesio Luis and Silvana Vedovelli.

*According to information from Agência Brasil.