Malaria in Brazil (Itabela, Bahia State)

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. To date, there have been 53 cases since 27 April, mostly 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 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, given the current increase in cases 
• practise strict mosquito bite avoidance, the mainstay of malaria prevention
• consider antimalarial chemoproprophylaxis if they are in groups 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 their potential exposure to malaria.

 See the TRAVAX Malaria section for further information.