The official carnival in Salvador saw a significant uptick in the number of individuals seeking testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with approximately 300 positive diagnoses reported by the city's health department. The Municipal Health Secretary (SMS) indicated an impressive 68% increase in testing compared to the same period last year, highlighting a growing awareness and proactive approach to sexual health during the festivities.

In 2026, nearly 1,976 people sought testing services, up from 1,176 in 2025, reflecting a similar growth of about 68% in user engagement with health services. This surge in testing aligns with a broader trend identified by the State Secretary of Health of Bahia (Sesab), which noted a staggering 102% increase in the total number of tests performed statewide. The dramatic rise in testing is a critical step towards addressing and controlling the spread of infections during high-profile events like carnival.

The statistics reveal specific data from Salvador, where the number of tests conducted increased from 4,704 in 2025 to 7,904 in 2026. Notably, the rising number of positive test results for infections such as syphilis (with 243 cases) underscores the pressing need for public health initiatives that promote education, prevention, and early detection. As carnival continues to be a major cultural event, the health implications of such infectious trends warrant attention and response from local health authorities to safeguard public health during future gatherings.