General Orientation about Zika

Preparations for the trip

BEFORE THE TRIP

Avoid traveling when ill;
See your physician, preferably 4 to 8 weeks before the trip, and inform your itinerary. Ask for advice on protection against diseases and injuries;
During the trip, you may have difficulty finding, or may not find, the medicines you usually take. Ask for your physician’s advice on which medicines, and in what quantity, you should take on the trip, including in your hand luggage;
Pack your medicines according to the manufacturer's instructions, in the original package and with the insert;
Eat before traveling. Eat what you are used to, avoiding fats, since they can cause discomfort during the trip;

ON THE PLANE

Follow the airline's rules for transporting objects and liquids;
If you feel any change in your health status on the trip, inform the crew;
All pregnant women should consult their physician before traveling, because they are subject to various risks, and travel can affect their safety and comfort;

YOUR DESTINATION

To ensure a safe and healthy stay in Brazil, inquire in advance about destinations within the country, as you may find differences in climate, food and cultural habits;
When deciding your itinerary, plan activities of interest and take preventive health measures accordingly;
Inquire about the place you are traveling to. Find out if there is risk of disease and need for vaccinations or other preventive measures;

ZIKA VIRUS

Regardless of the destination or purpose of the trip to Brazil, it is important that travelers take measures to protect against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Stay in areas that have protective screens on doors and windows, especially if you are away from capital cities. Air conditioning and fans are also protective barriers against mosquitoes.

Whenever possible, protect your body with light-colored and long-sleeved clothes, pants, socks and closed shoes. Use repellent on exposed skin, following the manufacturer's instructions.

The Zika virus can also be transmitted through sex, so it is recommended to use condoms in all sexual relations.

Red rashes, itching, fever (high or low), pain in the body or eyes are symptoms that may be associated with dengue, Chikungunya or Zika virus. If you have any of these symptoms, do not take any medication on your own, seek immediate health care in Brazil and make an appointment with a physician. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids.

PREGNANT WOMEN

It is important to note that, in any situation, pregnant women need to consult their physician before traveling and that special care is required when traveling.

They should only use repellents allowed during pregnancy (based on DEET, icaridin or picaridin and IR 3535 ou EBAAP), wear long-sleeved clothing and stay in places with protective screens and avoid areas of higher incidence of Zika virus and malaria.

They should avoid places with mosquitoes without the recommended protective measures, and locations where there are more insects.

Cases of Zika virus transmission between partners during sex have been reported, so always use a condom.

If there is any change in your health status, report it to the health professionals for monitoring of the pregnancy. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids.

Important Information

Brazil requires the International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis (ICVP) temporarily and restricted to travelers coming from or going to Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The decision follows a recommendation issued by the Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO), due to the ongoing Urban Yellow Fever outbreak in these two African countries.

So travelers, delegations and athletes coming or in transit to Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo must have CIVP with vaccination date at least 10 days prior to travel.

Read here the complete information about Zika Virus and prevention

Articles about Zika virus

WHO declares end of Zika emergency. Read here

Response on the Zika virus in the context of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Read here

'Zika is not a new Ebola': Brazilian Ambassador combats 'misinformation' (The Sydney Morning Herald, Austrália, 10/03/2016) Read here