The malaria focus which ocurred in the State of S.Paulo, Brazil, in the period from February to April 1984, is analysed. The transmission began at an unknown source of infection in an outlying area of Panorama county. Ten cases caused by Plasmodium falciparum were diagnosed. The interval between appearance of the symptoms and the diagnosis varied from 2 to as much as 22 days. Two species responsible for malaria transmission were found in the surveys: Anopheles (N.) darlingi and Anopheles (N.) albitarsis. The steps that led to the elimination of the focus are described, highlighting the detection of one case by means of the investigation slides (thick blood film) of 1,236 inhabitants of the area. The appearance of this focus was of great importance as a means of assessing the potential risk of the reintroduction of malaria into S.Paulo State. Epidemiological surveillance measures must be intensified in vulnerable/receptive areas.
Malaria; Malaria; Plasmodium falciparum; Insect vectors; Anopheles (N.) darlingi; Anopheles (N.) albitarsis; Epidemiologic surveillance