Risk / Health Info for Brazil

What vaccinations should I get for Brazil?

Make sure your shots are up to date before you go to Brazil. You can protect yourself against hepatitis A and typhoid, two gastrointestinal illnesses spread through infected food and water in Brazil.

If you are planning to visit Brazil often or stay for an extended period, consider getting a hepatitis B shot. Children should also be protected from this illness. It is spread by contact with blood or body fluid, so people planning to work in healthcare or dentistry should get vaccinated. It can be spread by unprotected sex or dirty needles, so avoid invasive medical or cosmetic procedures, tattooing or piercing in Brazil.

Animals including dogs and bats in Brazil can carry rabies, so protect yourself with a vaccination. Cyclists and runners are at risk of getting bitten, as are children. Always get urgent medical attention about an animal bite or scratch in Brazil, even if you have had your shot.

What hospital facilities are there in Brazil?

Although healthcare services are not the same as in Canada, major cities have adequate facilities. Private facilities may be better equipped than public ones in Brazil. Be prepared to pay cash for medical care, and make sure you have travel insurance before you leave Canada. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Protect your health in Brazil

Mosquito-borne illnesses including yellow fever, malaria, Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever are present in Brazil. Avoid mosquito bites by using a reliable insect repellent, wearing neutral-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and sleeping in air-conditioned accommodation or under nets wherever possible.

Yellow fever is present in Brazil, so bring along your certificate of vaccination. If you have not yet had a shot, consult our travel advisers. A yellow fever vaccination should give you lifelong immunity.

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.