Visiting Brazil - stay healthy

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According to Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross Tokai in Cape Town, travelling to Brazil can pose quite a challenge because of its vast size and the many vector-borne diseases that are prevalent in certain parts of the country. Vectors are organisms that transmit infectious agents and parasites from one infected person (or animal) to another, causing serious diseases.

"Malaria is present in the Amazon region, as well as in areas such as Cuiaba and Manaus where a number of the World Cup games will take place. Vector mosquitoes are prevalent throughout Brazil and major outbreaks have occurred in cities such as Rio de Janeiro. In addition, Dengue fever, which is transmitted by daytime-biting mosquitoes, has increased dramatically in Brazil over the past decade. Dengue transmission occurs year round, but peaks from March to May. Yellow fever is also endemic in parts of Brazil, and is prevalent in certain World Cup match locations such as Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Cuiaba, Manaus and Porte Alegre."

Renew vaccinations

"Although food- and water-borne diseases have declined in Brazil, it is wise for any international traveller to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and typhoid. Nowadays there is a combined Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine available, which can prevent the risk of contracting these diseases. Measles is always a danger at mass gatherings such as World Cup games and I would encourage travellers to consider having a measles-mumps-rubella boost. All of these vaccines are available from your local travel clinic."

The influenza vaccine should also be on the checklist of any traveller as April to August is flu season in southern Brazil, while northern Brazil experiences influenza transmissions all year round. Hepatitis B and HIV are also prevalent in Brazil and travellers should be aware of the risks associated with sexual contact, contaminated needles and the exchange of blood or body fluids.

"It is important to visit your healthcare practitioner or travel clinic at least three weeks or more before leaving for Brazil. This will ensure that your vaccinations are up to date and you will be able to obtain all the latest information on important health issues in the region so you can enjoy the beautiful game without any healthcare hiccups."

That travellers may be staying in hotels does not mean that they will be safe from illness causing bacteria and viruses because they could pick them up anywhere. Travellers need to protect themselves and there are a number of ways they can do this, for example by choosing their destinations carefully, avoiding areas that are known disease hotspots, being careful about what they eat and by making use of preventative medicines.

Tetanus boost advisable

Having a tetanus shot should also be a precautionary measure for travellers as an injury might cause exposure to the tetanus bacterium, especially in areas where medical attention may not be readily available. The vaccination is effective for ten years. Tetanus is caused by the tetanus bacterium, which affects the body's nervous system. For international travellers who have not had any vaccination boosters since childhood, the combined tetanus, polio, diphtheria and pertussis vaccination should be a top priority.

Common medical conditions in returning travellers

A recent study of medical conditions in travellers returning from Brazil revealed that as much as 40% of reported cases were dermatological conditions. This was followed by diarrheal illnesses, which occurred in 25% of travellers, while 19% of individuals experienced illnesses characterised by high fevers. The most common specific dermatologic diagnoses pertained to skin diseases caused by the larvae of various parasites, including hookworms and sand fleas, which travellers typically contracted by walking barefoot in the sand. Other dermatological conditions included infection of wounds by the larvae of maggots and fleas. Dengue and malaria were the most frequently identified specific causes of fever and the most common reasons for hospitalisation after travel.

"Keeping all of this in mind, those who intend travelling to Brazil for the football event should not take any chances and do everything possible to remain healthy throughout their trip. A travel clinic can help you with the necessary precautionary measures and tell you exactly what the inoculation requirements are and what to include in your first aid kit. This will afford you much needed peace of mind," he concludes.

For more information, go to www.netcare.co.za/liv/content.php.