Travel guide
Brazil

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is caused by a virus transmitted by a mosquito. Symptoms vary from flu-like to fatal , in which case treatment is symptomatic. There is no preventive medication to protect against yellow fever. Prevention is essentially based on avoiding insect bites and on vaccination, which is also strongly recommended.

Dengue

Brazil’s Federal Ministry of Health reports a major upsurge in the disease. The South-East, North-East and Centre-West are the regions most affected.

Dengue is transmitted by several varieties of mosquito, day and night, but especially in the two hours following sunrise and at sunset. Dengue is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms are similar to those of the flu (high fever, joint pain, headaches). There is currently no preventive treatment against dengue infection, but a vaccine is currently being developed. Treatment is therefore primarily symptomatic, based on paracetamol-based analgesics and rest. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs must be avoided. Individual prevention is therefore essentially based on protection against mosquito bites.

It is important to consult a doctor if you develop a fever during your stay or after your return to France, in the latter case mentioning your trip to Brazil. The mapping of dengue fever in Brazil can be consulted on the website www.dengue.org.br.

Chikungunya

Brazilian health authorities have confirmed the presence of chikungunya cases in the north and northeast of the country (Bahia state in particular).

Chikungunya is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. This disease is characterized by flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle and joint pain). Treatment is symptomatic. There is currently no preventive treatment or vaccine. For more information on chikungunya, visit : http://inpes.santepubliquefrance.fr/10000/themes/maladies-moustiques/chikungunya/index.asp.

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing impregnated with textile insecticide treatment (effective for two months and resistant to washing) ;
• Use skin repellents
• Protect your home (mosquito nets, electric diffusers, coils, air conditioning, etc.) ;
• Destroy potential mosquito breeding sites (containers of stagnant water such as saucers under flower pots, gutters, tires, etc.).

Many DEET-based products are too low-dosed in Brazil. It is therefore preferable to use Icaridine-based products.

Zika virus disease

The Zika virus is widely present in Brazil. This disease is transmitted by the bites of Aedes mosquitoes. Cases of sexual transmission of the virus have also been reported. 
Symptoms are generally mild (fever, headache, joint pain, rash) and are similar to those seen in other viral infections such as dengue fever. However, there is evidence of serious complications, such as microcephaly in the newborns of pregnant women infected with the virus, and neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndromes.

It is particularly recommended for all :

• observe the usual measures to prevent mosquito bites (wear long, covering clothing, use mosquito repellents – see  above: General preventive measures to protect against mosquitoes-, use air conditioning and mosquito nets), both at night and during the day ;
• consult a doctor if you develop a fever during your trip or in the weeks following your return to France.

Pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant are advised to postpone their trip and, failing that, to follow mosquito bite prevention measures, avoid unprotected sex during their trip, and avoid unprotected sex with anyone who may have been infected with the Zika virus.

To protect against digestive or contact contamination :

• Wash hands regularly with hydro-alcoholic solutions, especially before and after eating or using the toilet ;
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked food products (fish, meat, poultry, milk) ;
• Peel fruits and vegetables or wash thoroughly (in clean water) ;
• Avoid raw vegetables, shellfish, reheated dishes and cold buffets ;
• Drink only encapsulated beverages or potable water ;
• Avoid ice cubes and ice cream, as well as fresh fruit juices, raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit ; only consume pasteurized or boiled milk ;
• Avoid swimming in stagnant water (rivers or lakes) ;
• Avoid walking barefoot on sand and damp ground ;
• Do not approach stray animals and dogs (risk of bite and rabies) ; do not pet animals you meet ;
• Never use medicines bought on the street.

Track dust combined with very low humidity can cause respiratory problems.