Yellow fever information:

The Brazilian authorities have issued a health alert for visitors coming to Brazil and intending to visit certain regions of the country where yellow fever is endemic.

It is strongly recommended that people visiting
rivers and forests of the following regions:

- all states of the Northern and Midwest Regions,

- part of the Northeastern Region (Maranhão state, southwestern part of Piauí state, western and southern part of Bahia state.

- part of the Southeat region (Minas Gerais state, west of São Paulo state and north of Espírito Santo state)

- and part of the South Region (west of the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande Sul)

be vaccinated against yellow fever.

Any other part of the country not included above is risk-free.

For further information please refer to the Brazilian Health Minister website: Ministério da Saúde: http://www.saude.gov.br/svs

Yellow fever is a serious disease. You should take the vaccine at least 10 days prior to travel.

Dengue fever information

There is no vaccine against Dengue fever. The Brazilian authorities are advising visitors travelling to Rio de Janeiro State, and specially those intending to visit the city of Rio about the increase in cases of Dengue Fever in that region.

People visiting the city of Rio should be aware that Dengue Fever is caused by a virus, which is transmitted by a mosquito (AEDES AEGYPTI). The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is dark, with white stripes on its back and legs, and smaller than a common mosquito. They breed in clean, stagnant water. The mosquito is considered a “day” mosquito. It bites during the day and likes warm, humid places.

Prevention is based upon taking careful measures to reduce the possibility of mosquito bites. Travelers should wear light clothing which completely covers arms and legs, and use insect repellant containing DEET (10% for children and 30% for adults), to exposed areas of skin. People who present symptoms during or after traveling to affected areas should contact a physician.