Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State: Increase in Malaria

Brazil is experiencing an increase in locally transmitted malaria in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Fig 1). Brazil reports approximately 6 cases per year in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in the forested, mountainous areas located in the central part of the state. In this same region, between Jan 17–Feb 25, 2015, 23 cases of locally-acquired P. vivax malaria were identified. None of these cases were in the city of Rio de Janeiro which remains malaria-free.

The Brazilian Ministry of Health and Rio de Janeiro State public health authorities are taking measures to investigate and prevent new cases in the areas affected. As the transmission has been occurring in the forested areas where vector control activities would be challenging, personal protective measures such as use of insecticide repellent, and insecticide treated bednets are being encouraged.

CDC recommends that travelers to the central, mountainous forested areas of Rio de Janiero State use mosquito avoidance measures which includes the use of personal protective measures mentioned above, such as applying an insect repellent when outdoors, staying in an air-conditioned or well-screened area, or sleeping under an insecticide treated bednet, and wearing a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and hat when outdoors.

See the CDC Malaria website (http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/) for additional health information about malaria and preventing malaria. For general health information for travelers to all areas of the world see the CDC Traveler’s Health website (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/).

Fig 1: Map of Brazil