Brazil Travel Health

Travel Health

Vaccinations recommended for travel to Brazil are Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid as well as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever depending on the season and the region visited. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over nine months old arriving from infected regions and vaccination are strongly recommended for travellers intending to visit rural areas. Malaria risk exists throughout the year in many parts of the country. Care should be taken to avoid moquito bites through the use of insect repellant and or long sleeved clothing.

Water should always be boiled or sterilized before drinking or bottled water should be drunk instead. Also be careful of milk in rural areas as it may be un-pasteurised. Ensure that all meats and fish are well cooked and that vegetables are cooked and fruits peeled. Salads can also be a problem.

A polio vaccination certificate is required for children aged between three months and six years old. Other infectious diseases prevalent in Brazil include Schistosomiasis or Bilharzia, Chagas disease also known as trypanosomiasis and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. As with some other tropical areas Dengue fever can be an issue, especially after rain in densely populated areas where the infective agent is carried by mosquitoes. Additionally there are occasional epidemics of meningococcal meningitis in Rio. Air pollution can be high, especially in São Paulo. Rabies also exists in Brazil and if bitten by an animal, seek medical advice immediately.

Medical care is generally of a high standard in major towns and cities with English speaking medical staff found mainly in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. As medical costs are high in Brazil full travel insurance is highly recommended for all travellers.

Unfortunately Brazil is notorious for its violent street crime especially in Brazil's large cities in the north, northeast and southeast states. However using common sense and taking extra precautions to keep yourself safe while travelling in Brazil should allow you to enjoy your travels without any incidents. Drug trafficking and use is on the increase, with severe penalties in Brazil. By law, everyone must carry a photo ID at all times such as your passport.

Travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which may target civilians, particularly places frequented by foreigners.

Thefts from cars are common, so when travelling in a car keep the doors locked and the windows closed, and take particular care at traffic lights. Credit card fraud is also common so try to keep sight of your card at all times and consider keeping a spare credit card for emergencies in your hotel safe.

Drive cautiously in Brazil as there is a high road accident rate. In many rural areas the quality of roads away from the main highways is poor together with the standard of driving especially of trucks and buses, so vigilance is required at all times.

Emergency numbers for Brazil are: Police 190; Fire and Ambulance 193.

We strongly advise that all Australian travellers check the latest travel advice on the Australian Government Smart Traveller site.