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The son of a physician, Mendes was born in Niteroi, Brazil, and initially studied classical piano, with the intention of becoming a concert pianist.

Niteroi, a city in Rio’s metropolitan region, was first to pass a municipal ordinance guaranteeing water at large events.

In spite of the low number of cases, the city of Niteroi, like its neighbors, is still investing heavily in prevention.

Health officials say a pilot program launched in Niteroi in 2015, in which scientists breed mosquitoes to carry the Wolbachia bacteria, has helped the city in its battle against dengue.

“It was a moment of great concern in the country and in Rio,” Grael recalled in an interview Friday with The Associated Press in Niteroi.