Santos Port on alert as crew member tests positive for malaria

Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has confirmed a case of malaria in a crew member of a ship docked at the Port of Santos, São Paulo’s coastal area. The crew member disembarked from the vessel to seek medical assistance, but details about the patient’s condition and the hospital where they were taken have not been disclosed.

Anvisa’s Sanitary Surveillance team discovered symptoms characteristic of malaria in the onboard medical book during the Free Practice analysis for the entry of the Nigerian vessel MV Dino, which is currently berthed at Warehouse 31. Subsequent testing confirmed the crew member’s positive diagnosis for the disease. The MV Dino is typically involved in transporting sugar and operates regularly at the Santos pier.

Anvisa clarified that there is no need for quarantine of the vessel in such cases, as malaria is not transmitted directly from person to person but through mosquito bites, specifically from infected Anopheles mosquitoes.

As a precautionary measure, Anvisa has requested GB Terminais (where the ship is moored) to restrict vessel access for disinfection. They have also advised allowing only essential personnel, wearing protective clothing and repellents, to access the vessel. Additionally, the other crew members will be tested for the disease.

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