Malaria in Brazil

On 14 July 2021, the State Public Ministry of Bahia reported an outbreak of malaria in the municipality of Itabela, in the state of Bahia. There have been 53 cases since 27 April 2021, with no deaths reported, mostly in the Margarida Alves area of the municipality.

Malaria is not usually present in this part of Brazil, and the infection in believed to have been introduced by a traveller from the city of Manaus.

Advice for travellers

While higher than expected cases of malaria continue to be reported, travellers to this area should: 

• be made aware of the risk of malaria 
• practise strict mosquito bite avoidance 
• consider antimalarial chemoprophylaxis if they are in a group at higher risk from malaria

Travellers returning from malarious areas should seek prompt medical advice if they develop a fever during travel or on their return, ensuring they highlight potential exposure to malaria.

Further advice relating to malaria can be found on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 19 July 2021