Malaria Prophylaxis: A Must For Travelers Visiting Brazil?

Brazil is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 6 million international visitors in 2018. The country is home to diverse ecosystems, vibrant urban centres, and rich cultural traditions. However, travellers to Brazil should be aware of the potential health risks and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip. While Brazil does not require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis for entry, certain vaccinations and prophylaxis measures are recommended to protect against various diseases prevalent in the country.

Brazil is known for its tropical climate, especially in the northern regions, and the Amazon rainforest, which covers large portions of the country. This hot and humid climate increases the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, malaria, yellow fever, and Zika. These diseases are endemic to the Amazon region, and travellers are advised to complete all relevant vaccinations and take measures to avoid mosquito bites. Additionally, the climate can also lead to dehydration and heat stroke, so travellers should be cautious about consuming unsafe food and beverages.

Beyond mosquito-borne diseases, there are other health risks to consider in Brazil. These include rabies, tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, travellers' diarrhea, and respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza. To protect against these, travellers should ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date and take specific precautions such as avoiding contact with wild animals, practising good food and water safety, and considering additional vaccinations like typhoid and hepatitis B.

Overall, by staying informed about health risks, consulting with healthcare providers, and taking necessary precautions, travellers to Brazil can effectively reduce their risk of acquiring infectious diseases and enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip.

The importance of vaccines and antimalarials

Brazil is a large country with a diverse range of attractions, from beaches and rainforests to vibrant urban centres. It is also home to one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, with a rich mix of African, European, and Latin American cultures.

Brazil is a popular tourist destination, but travellers should be aware of the health risks and take the necessary precautions to stay safe. The CDC and WHO recommend that travellers are up to date with routine vaccines, including COVID-19, influenza, MMR, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis. It is also recommended that travellers take extra vaccines, including typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, and rabies.

Brazil has a high number of cases of chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by mosquito bites, so vaccination is recommended. Malaria is also present in Brazil, especially in rural areas, so antimalarials are essential. The CDC recommends chemoprophylaxis for travellers going to malaria-endemic areas. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine, and tafenoquine are recommended for travellers to the region.

In addition to vaccines and antimalarials, there are other ways to stay healthy while travelling in Brazil. It is important to take measures to prevent bug bites and food and water safety should also be a priority. Travellers should also be aware of other infections that are present in Brazil, such as dengue, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and Zika.

By taking the necessary health precautions, travellers to Brazil can help ensure they have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Preventing bug bites

Brazil is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, and it is also a melting pot of African, European, and Latin American cultures. It is a popular tourist destination, but travelers should be aware of the risk of bug bites, which can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. Here are some tips to prevent bug bites when travelling to Brazil:

• Use insect repellent: Choose a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection against ticks and mosquitoes. Alternatively, products with picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or para-menthane-diol (PMD) can also help prevent mosquito bites. Always follow the instructions on the repellent and reapply as directed. Do not use sunscreen that contains insect repellent, and apply sunscreen first and let it dry before applying insect repellent.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, closed shoes, and hats. For additional protection, pull your socks up over your pants and tuck your shirt into your pants.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin: Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear such as boots, pants, socks, and tents. Do not use permethrin directly on the skin.
• Stay and sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms: If sleeping outdoors, use bed nets to protect against mosquitoes. Choose a hotel or lodging with air conditioning or window and door screens.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Avoid areas with a high risk of bug bites, such as densely wooded areas or areas with standing water. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, so take precautions when spending time outdoors.
• Take preventive measures: Keep your grass cut and your yard free of leaf litter and other debris to give mosquitoes fewer places to hide and thrive. Remove standing water, as mosquitoes can breed in tiny amounts of water.

By following these tips, you can effectively reduce your risk of bug bites and the associated diseases when travelling to Brazil.

Food and water safety

Brazil is a melting pot of African, European, and Latin American cultures, with a diverse ecosystem and vibrant urban centres. However, it is important to take precautions to ensure food and water safety when visiting this beautiful country. Here are some detailed instructions to follow:

Food Safety:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
• Opt for well-established restaurants instead of street food.
• Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, unpasteurised dairy products, and food from street vendors to reduce the risk of foodborne infections.
• Cooked food should be thoroughly cooked.
• Wash fruits and vegetables with clean, safe water, especially if you plan to consume them raw.
• If you have access to a kitchen, ensure that utensils and dishes are cleaned with safe water and are dried completely before reuse.
• Keep food covered and stored safely to prevent contamination by insects and other animals.

Water Safety:

• Drink only boiled or bottled water with sealed lids.
• Avoid tap water, including ice made from tap water, as it may not be safe to drink.
• Use bottled water for brushing your teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, and preparing food.
• Do not swim or wade in freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes, as they may be contaminated with harmful bacteria or parasites.
• Avoid getting water in your mouth or nose when participating in water activities.
• If you are in an area with poor sanitation, consider using water purification tablets or a portable water filter.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

In addition to these precautions, staying up to date with routine vaccinations and consulting a healthcare professional before your trip is highly recommended to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience in Brazil.

Altitude sickness

Symptoms

Symptoms of altitude sickness usually start 6 to 24 hours after being at a high altitude and can include:

• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Loss of coordination and trouble walking
• Tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath even at rest
• A cough that produces a white or pink frothy substance

Treatment

If you are experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, it is important to:

• Tell someone you are travelling with that you do not feel well
• Rest at the same altitude until you feel better
• Do not climb or travel to a higher altitude
• Take anti-sickness medicine or painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease symptoms

If your symptoms do not improve after one day, try to go to a lower altitude. If your symptoms are severe, seek medical attention right away.

Prevention

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is through acclimatization, which means allowing your body to slowly get used to the changes in air pressure as you travel to higher elevations. Here are some tips to help prevent altitude sickness:

• Start your journey below 10,000 feet
• If you have to fly or drive to a higher altitude, spend at least one full day at a lower elevation before going any higher
• If walking, hiking or climbing over 10,000 feet, only go up an additional 1,000 feet per day
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Do not vigorously exercise for the first 48 hours

General health and safety

Brazil is a large country with a lot of variety in terms of its attractions, ecosystems, and culture. However, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your health and safety during your trip.

Health

Brazil has a variety of infectious diseases, and it is recommended that you are up to date on routine vaccines, including COVID-19, influenza, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis. It is also recommended that you get vaccinated for hepatitis A, and consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis B, typhoid, chikungunya, rabies, and yellow fever.

There are several mosquito-borne diseases in Brazil, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and malaria. To protect yourself from these, use insect repellent and wear protective clothing. Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds, as schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease, is present in these bodies of water.

Food and water safety is also important in Brazil. Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized dairy products, and food from street vendors. Wash your hands frequently and opt for thoroughly cooked food options.

Safety

Brazil has a high crime rate, and tourists are often the targets of theft and robbery. To minimize the risk of being targeted:

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in places like Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro.
• Do not walk near favelas alone.
• Do not put valuables in your pockets. Instead, use a cross-body bag to keep your valuables close to your chest and zipped away.
• Do not wear showy items like gold jewelry.
• Do not leave your valuables unattended.
• Avoid using the metro at night, especially with a laptop or camera.
• Do not pull out your phone on the street.
• Avoid deserted areas.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.
• Do not walk around with all your bank cards. Leave some locked up at your accommodation.
• Avoid wearing or displaying expensive items, such as watches or jewelry.
• Try not to stand out as a tourist.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and at major transportation centers or on public transportation.
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
• Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone.
• Avoid walking on beaches after dark.
• Do not resist any robbery attempts.
• Use official taxis or public transportation.
• Avoid driving at night, as street lighting may be poor.
• Always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car.
• Do not drink and drive.

Frequently asked questions