2014 World Cup in Brazil: Health advice for travellers
The European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) has conducted a risk assessment to identify which infectious diseases present the biggest risks to Europeans visiting Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2014 and the public health implications for European countries after the travellers’ return. In addition, ECDC have assessed the risk of disease importation from Europe to Brazil.
What is the risk to EU travellers?
Visitors from the EU to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be most at risk of gastrointestinal illness and vector-borne infections. Fans should pay attention to standard hygienic measures to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal illness and protect themselves against mosquito and other insect bites using insect repellent and/or wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers. They are also urged to take malaria chemoprophylaxis and be vaccinated against yellow fever, if travelling to risk areas, be fully vaccinated according to their home immunisation schedule and those advised by health authorities in Brazil, in particular hepatitis A. EU travellers should also avoid unprotected sexual contact.
Further Information:
ECDC Risk Assessment on FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014