Want to know what vaccinations you need for Brazil?
Make sure your trip isn’t ruined by any nasty illness and get the vaccinations you need to protect against any potential health risks.
Brazil is a vast country with many different health and safety factors at play across its different regions. Whether you’re travelling to vibrant Rio or the magical Amazon rainforest, you will need to take the time to vaccinate yourself against any potentially harmful diseases.
Check out Tropical Medical Bureau’s list of recommended vaccinations for Brazil below.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
This vaccination is required for Brazil as it has previously caused epidemics in the Americas. Categorized as an acute viral haemorrhagic disease, Yellow Fever can be potentially fatal if left untreated. The virus itself is spread by mosquitoes and there are an estimated 200,000 cases every year. The word “yellow” in the name refers to the yellow jaundiced appearance that can affect some patients. There is an incubation period of three to six weeks and symptoms range from muscle pain and nausea to a slow pulse and a high fever.
Hepatitis A Vaccination
This a viral liver disease that has an estimated 1.4 million cases every year. Although the disease can kill, most patients recover after a few months of unpleasant illness. Hepatitis A is normally contracted through ingesting contaminated food or water and can also be picked up through direct contact with an infected person. Travellers to areas of Brazil without proper sanitation facilities are at the most risk as faecal matter may cause contamination of water and food. The symptoms of hepatitis A commonly present like flu and patients can also develop jaundice.
Tetanus Vaccination
There are around 1 million cases of tetanus around the world every year and the disease can be lethal in those who have not been immunised. The disease is picked up through cuts or puncture wounds and affects the nervous system, this then leads to painful muscle contractions. In particular, these muscles spasms occur in the jaw which has led to tetanus becoming commonly known as “lockjaw”. Having and recovering from tetanus does not prevent from further attacks and patients will need to receive active vaccination.
Typhoid Vaccination
This is a bacterial disease that is caught through the consumption of contaminated food or drink. It can take up to three weeks for symptoms to develop after the disease has been caught. These symptoms can range from fever, diarrhoea, and constipation to headaches and a slowing heart rate. Typhoid is typically treated with antibiotics, however, even after somebody has recovered, they may still pass the disease on to others.
Other vaccinations required for Brazil
There are other vaccinations that may be needed for Brazil depending on which areas you are planning to travel to. If you are planning on trekking, you may need to be protected against hepatitis B and rabies, while anybody heading to more rural areas may need a vaccination for Tuberculosis, Meningococcal Meningitis and Diphtheria.
Visitors to Brazil should remember that it is a large country with varying levels of medical care which can be less than ideal outside of the main tourist areas. To help combat this, TMB offer a 24/7 emergency help line for registered patients which can prove vital for anyone travelling in rural areas.
It is also advised that anyone visiting Brazil takes the time to inform themselves of the country’s political and safety situation by logging on to the Irish government Department of Foreign Affairs website and the UK government Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice website.
Most travellers to Brazil should not experience any problems with their health providing they take any necessary measures advised by a medical professional.