Brazil

Results

Other vaccine preventable risks

The following vaccinations may be considered depending on your itinerary and planned activities. These can be discussed in more detail with one of our travel health consultants.

Hepatitis B

Rabies

Tuberculosis

Malaria risk

A serious risk of Malaria is present throughout the year in forested areas below 900m. Transmission is high in rain forest areas where new developments are taking place (e.g. mining, lumbering and agriculture). Transmission still occurs in urban areas although, to a lesser degree. Malaria tablets are strongly recommended for these areas.

There is usually only minimal risk in the tourist resort of Iguaçu Falls but those exploring outside the resort itself into rural or jungle areas, especially into Paraguay, should consider malaria tablets. This can be discussed in further detail with one of our travel health consultants.

Non-vaccine preventable risks

• Travellers' Diarrhoea  is usually caused by eating contaminated food or drinking unsafe water.  Symptoms may be severe with frequent watery stools, thirst, dry mouth and tongue, headache and weakness. Water should always be treated when there is doubt about its cleanliness. Food that may be contaminated must be thoroughly cooked and hands washed prior to eating.

• HIV infection is spread through sexual intercourse or infected blood or blood products (e.g. through blood transfusions or the use of blood contaminated instruments such as intravenous needles). 

• Leishmaniasis is spread through the bite of an infected sand fly. It can cause a slowly growing skin lump or ulcer and sometimes a serious life-threatening fever with anaemia and weight loss. Infected dogs are carriers of the infection. Sand fly bites should be avoided whenever possible. 

• Leptospirosis is spread through the faeces of infected rodents especially rats. It is unusual for travellers to be affected unless living in poor sanitary conditions.

• Schistomiasis (Bilharzia) is spread through the fresh water snail. The larvae produced by the snails can swim and seek out human skin and find their way into the bladder and intestine. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, blood in urine and stools.  Paddling or swimming in suspect fresh water lakes or slow running rivers should be avoided.

• Dengue Fever, which is often referred to as break-bone fever, is spread through the bite of the mosquito. It causes a feverish illness with headache and muscle pains like a bad, prolonged, attack of influenza. A rash can also develop. It is becoming more common in many parts of the world. Mosquito bites should be avoided whenever possible. 

• Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is spread through the bite of a small black fly which breeds in fast flowing water. It can cause a skin rash with intense itching which usually occurring months or years later post exposure. Occasionally the eye can be affected. Camping near rivers should be avoided and precautions taken against bites. 

• Trypanosomiasis (American) is transmitted to humans through the skin of infected reduviid bugs.  The disease may have an acute but often asymptomatic phase, followed by chronic systemic symptoms.  The risk to travellers is generally low, unless staying for prolonged periods in very rural and poor circumstances.

• Filariasis (Bancrofti) is spread through the bite of the mosquito. It can cause fever and skin inflammation. Later swelling of the legs, arms or genitalia may develop but usually only after repeated infections. It is not usually a problem for the short-term traveller staying in good accommodation. Mosquito bites should be avoided whenever possible.

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a viral illness transmitted to humans via infected ticks.  Symptoms are often mild such as a fever and rash, yet may occasionally become severe and even life threatening.  Avoidance of tick bites where possible is recommended.