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Malaria in Brazil (Foz do Iguacu)

09 May 2018

On 8 May 2018, the Health Department of Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná State, reported via media (in Portuguese) the first case of malaria contracted in the municipality since 2011. The patient is believed to have become infected while fishing at Porto de Areia on the Iguaçu River.

Foz do Iguaçu is a close to the Falls of Iguaçu, a popular tourist destination.

Advice for travellers

Malaria is usually rare or absent in Bahia State, despite this outbreak. The risk of a traveller being infected is low and antimalarial chemoprophylaxis is not advised at this time. However, rigorous avoidance of mosquito bites at all times is strongly emphasized as the first line of defence against malaria and other mosquito-borne infections.

In the event of developing a fever during or after return from travel, travellers should seek prompt medical attention.

For further information see Malaria.