Health Risks for Rio Carnival 2022

Health Risks for Rio Carnival 2022
April 14, 2022
Stay safe when traveling to Rio de Janeiro
Stay safe when traveling to Rio de Janeiro

If you are traveling to Rio de Janeiro for Carnival 2022, you’re in the right place. We created a comprehensive guide to staying safe during Rio Carnival 2022. Read on to learn about health precautions you need to consider if you plan on attending this spectacular celebration in Brazil. 

TravelBug Health is your source for pre-travel vaccinations and medical advice for international travel. Schedule your pre-travel health consultation today!

When is Rio Carnival 2022?

Rio Carnival is scheduled to occur April 20-30, 2022 after being postponed from the original dates in February because of the COVID-19 Omicron wave. Events will take place throughout the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Traveling To Rio de Janeiro for Carnival: COVID-19 Testing 

Currently, travelers who are fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine may enter Brazil when they present a negative COVID-19 PCR/NAAT test result obtained less than 72 hours from departure or an Antigen test taken less than 24 hours from departure. The only exception for a negative COVID-19 test is proof of recovery from a prior COVID-19 infection. 

TravelBug Health offers both the PCR and Antigen testing you need for travel to Brazil. To schedule an appointment, contact us today. 

Other Diseases To Be Aware of When Traveling To Rio De Janeiro

COVID-19 is not the only disease you should be protecting yourself against. Below are some of the most prevalent diseases and health risks found in Rio, Brazil. 

Dengue Fever & Chikungunya Fever

Brazil enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round as it straddles the equator in the north and falls almost completely above the Tropic of Capricorn. Daytime insect precautions are especially important for travel to Brazil to prevent yellow fever, Dengue, and Chikungunya fever; serious tropical diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes.

Significant risk for Dengue and Chikungunya fever exists throughout Brazil. The Rio Carnival 2022 is occurring during peak season and many Carnival-related cases occur each year. Significant dengue outbreaks occurred in 2019 and 2020 throughout the country (including the state of Rio de Janeiro) during Carnival season.

Yellow Fever

The incidence of Yellow Fever has markedly increased over the last several years and is now very prevalent throughout most of Brazil, including the urban area of Rio. Yellow Fever is a potentially deadly disease with no cure and all travelers should be vaccinated with the Yellow Fever vaccine. Brazil has no yellow fever entry requirement for any traveler. 

Zika

Zika is also transmitted by mosquitoes and remains a risk throughout Brazil. Pregnant women (in any trimester) should not travel to this area if attendance at Carnival is the only purpose of the trip. Women should wait 2 months and men 3 months after returning from Brazil before attempting conception. 

Malaria

Malaria is a risk in the Amazon basin and some isolated municipalities along the coast. Nighttime insect bite precautions and malaria prevention medication are necessary to prevent malaria. There is no malaria in the urban areas of Rio de Janeiro.

Routinely Recommended Vaccinations for Brazil

To ensure you are well protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, it is important to schedule a pre-travel health consultation to make sure you are up-to-date with all your routine vaccinations and get any pre-travel vaccinations you may need. Your travel health consultant may recommend any of the following before your trip:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B 
  • Typhoid 
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis – the TdaP vaccine should be boosted every 5-10 years, especially since pertussis (whooping cough) outbreaks are common in many foreign countries. 
  • Influenza - The Carnival occurs during flu season and all travelers should be vaccinated with the flu shot for the current season. Travelers who received a flu shot this season but more than 6 months earlier should consider revaccination because immunity may have declined.

Other Noteworthy Precautions

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Travelers should observe safer-sex practices to reduce the risk of HIV, Hepatitis B, and other STIs.
  • Security: There is a risk of violent crime as well as petty crime (including the intentional drugging of food and drink to facilitate robbery or assault). Due to ongoing security concerns, avoid travel to favelas (impoverished, unregulated neighborhoods). Travelers should always be vigilant and aware of their personal security.

Be Prepared and Protected With TravelBug Health

Make your trip to Rio de Janeiro for Carnival 2022 an exciting adventure, and leave your worry and anxiety at home. Visit TravelBug Health for your pre-travel health consultation and be prepared with all the health advice and protection you will need.

Our consultants will assess your health history and risks to determine how you can best stay safe when traveling for Rio Carnival 2022. You can receive all of the necessary vaccinations for Brazil at TravelBug Health in Scottsdale, AZ. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or give us a call at (480) 435-2774.

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