Malaria in Brazil (Itabela, Bahia State)

19 Jul 2021

On 14 July 2021, the State Public Ministry of Bahia (in Portugese) reported an outbreak of malaria in the municipality of Itabela, in the State of Bahia. There have been 53 cases so far since 27 April. Most cases have been in the Margarida Alves area of the municipality. No deaths have been reported.

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

Advice for Travellers

Malaria is a potentially serious infection that is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites.

If you travelling to this area while there are higher than expected cases of malaria are being reported, you should:

• understand your risk of malaria, given the current increase in cases 
• know how to protect yourself against mosquito bites during your trip
  
• talk to a travel health professional to find out if you may need to take tablets to prevent malaria (antimalarials) during your trip

If you develop a high temperature (fever) during your trip, or if you have recently returned from a country where malaria is a risk, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and tell the doctor about your recent travel history.

See the fitfortravel malaria section for further information.