Risk / Health Info for Brazil

What immunisations should I get for Brazil?

The immunisations you need for Brazil are listed on this page. Hepatitis A and typhoid shots will provide protection against two food- and water-borne diseases that occur in Brazil.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine including:

• children
• frequent and long-stay travellers
• those who will be working in a healthcare setting in Brazil, including dentistry or in a lab that handles bodily fluids.

Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures. If any of this applies to you, ask for advice on the hepatitis B vaccine.

Rabies occurs in Brazil. This fatal disease is contracted from animal bites. If you think you may at risk of being bitten because you will be around dogs, then ask about a rabies vaccine. Cyclists and runners are at risk of dog bites, as are children. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Brazil, even if you have been vaccinated.

Do you need a yellow fever certificate in Brazil? The answer is yes. Your certificate is proof of immunity and the vaccination should give you lifelong immunity. So long as you keep the certificate safe, you will never need to get another one.

What hospital facilities are there in Brazil?

Good private healthcare facilities are available in major cities. Visitors are entitled to free emergency care in public hospitals in Brazil. These hospitals tend to be very crowded. You will not get care from a private hospital unless you can present evidence of travel health insurance or funds to pay for your treatment.

Protect your health in Brazil

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Brazil, including yellow fever, dengue fever, malaria and zika so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible.

Will I be able to purchase medication in Brazil?

It may be hard to find your normal medication in Brazil so take a supply for your entire trip.

Altitude in Brazil

Parts of Brazil are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Brazil

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Brazil. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Brazil

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Brazil at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Schistosomiasis in Brazil

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Brazil. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Zika in Brazil

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Brazil. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Brazil. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.