Just a week after reports were released concerning an increase of locally-transmitted vivax malaria in Rio de Janeiro State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that 5 cases of locally-acquired P. vivax malaria were identified in Goiania City, Goias State, from March 3–13, 2015.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

Previously, in October and November of 2014, 11 cases of locally-acquired malaria were identified in Goiania City. It is unknown if the current cases are related to the cases from 2014.

All cases were thought to be related to visits to the Parque Flamboyant, a forested area in the middle of the city. None of these cases were in the city of Brasilia which has no malaria.

The Brazilian Ministry of Health, Goias State, and Rio de Janeiro State public health authorities are taking measures to investigate and prevent new cases in the areas affected. In Goias State, vector control activities have been implemented.

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In Rio de Janeiro State, since the transmission has been occurring in the forested areas where vector control activities would be challenging, personal protective measures such as use of insect repellent, and insecticide treated bednets are being encouraged.

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