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If Brazil is on your bucket list of places to visit, chances are you will spend time in either São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or both! But before arriving, a key health consideration is whether a yellow fever vaccination is necessary. And because infection with yellow fever virus results in death 30-60% of of the time, deciding to protect with vaccination can be life saving!
Is Yellow Fever Recommended for São Paulo?
While historically, São Paulo was not considered high risk for yellow fever disease, since the 2016-2018 yellow fever outbreaks in Brazil, the yellow fever vaccine is currently recommended for all travelers visiting both the city and state of São Paulo, Brazil. And confirmation of recent yellow fever illness in São Paulo adds an additional reminder for travelers to protect against this mosquito disease with vaccination.
Is Yellow Fever Vaccine Needed for Rio de Janeiro?
Similar to São Paulo, Rio saw an expansion of yellow fever risk over the last decade. While high density population areas of the city may pose less of a risk, the yellow fever vaccine is recommended by public health (including CDC) for all visitors to both the city and state of Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, nearby costal islands of Ilha Grande and Ilha Fiscal also have risk of yellow fever infection.
Where Else is Yellow Fever a Risk in Brazil?
Because the mosquito that carries yellow fever virus lives throughout Brazil, of the 26 states and 1 Federal District in Brazil, all but 6 have some risk of yellow fever. Other popular tourist destinations in Brazil where yellow fever vaccine is recommended include the Amazon Rainforest, Iguazu Falls, and the wildlife haven of the Pantanal.
Visit Destination Health Clinic Before Your Trip to Brazil
If your vacation plans include São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, Destination Health Travel Clinic will help you prepare for your Brazil adventure with the right vaccinations and health information including malaria medication prevention. Schedule your appointment online or call the nearest Massachusetts office you today.
