Brazil has two distinct health profiles
This is the most important thing to know about Brazil travel health: coastal urban Brazil and Amazon Brazil have completely different health requirements. Many travellers plan trips that include both — and get confused about what they need.
Urban and coastal Brazil — Rio, São Paulo, Salvador, Florianópolis
For standard beach and city travel in Brazil, preparation is relatively straightforward:
- Hepatitis A: all travellers — food safety varies
- Typhoid: recommended, especially eating outside hotels
- Dukoral: optional (not routinely recommended)
- No malaria pills required for Rio, São Paulo, Salvador, or coastal cities
- Yellow Fever: not required for entry, but recommended for the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (and most of Brazil) — not for itineraries limited to cities such as Fortaleza and Recife
The main daily health concern in Brazilian cities is dengue fever — widespread year-round, no travel vaccine. DEET repellent daily is essential.
Amazon Brazil — Manaus, Santarém, river cruises, jungle lodges
Amazon Brazil requires significantly more preparation:
- Yellow Fever: recommended for the Amazon (Brazil has no entry requirement) — some jungle lodges and tour operators verify the ICVP certificate. Our physician confirms whether you need it and refers you to a Government of Canada designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, which gives the vaccine and issues the ICVP certificate.
- Malaria prophylaxis: Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) is first-line for Amazon regions. Start 1–2 days before entering the Amazon, continue 7 days after.
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid still recommended (Dukoral optional)
Iguazu Falls — what do you need?
Iguazu Falls sits close to the edge of endemic Yellow Fever territory. Most physicians recommend Yellow Fever vaccination for Iguazu visitors, particularly given the proximity to dense jungle. Malaria risk at Iguazu is low — prophylaxis not routinely recommended but worth reviewing based on your full itinerary.
Zika in Brazil
Zika is present in Brazil. Pregnant travellers should consult our physician before considering any Brazil travel — this is a case-by-case physician assessment based on your specific itinerary, gestational age, and risk tolerance.
Book your Brazil pre-travel consultation at Virtual Travel Clinic — serving Mississauga, Ottawa, Hamilton, and all of Ontario.
Sources: PHAC — Brazil Travel Health | CDC Yellow Book — Brazil
Need travel health advice?
A $110 virtual consultation with a licensed physician. We build your personalised vaccine and malaria plan, then deliver your prescriptions anywhere in Ontario.