How to stay healthy when travelling in Brazil: Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Yellow Fever
- Rachel
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider or travel clinic before visiting Brazil to receive personalised recommendations, vaccinations, and medications.
Brazil is a large country with a wide range of climates and ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, urban centres, coastal regions, and mountainous areas. Brazil's various climates support mosquito populations that can transmit several mosquito-borne illnesses, including malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya.
Although Brazil presents health risks from mosquito-borne illnesses, the risk of these diseases varies depending on where you travel and the time of year. It is important to understand where these diseases are most common, how they are transmitted, and how to prevent them is essential for a safe and healthy visit.
Travelling to the Amazon Rainforest? > Find cheap accommodation in Manaus > Book your stay in a remote jungle lodge > Book your trip to trek in the Anavilhanas Archipelago
Mosquito-borne diseases in Brazil: Is Brazil really that dangerous?
While diseases like malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya are present in parts of Brazil, the actual risk to most travellers is low with basic precautions. Millions of people visit Brazil each year without any issues by using insect repellent, wearing long clothing in high-risk areas, and following local health advice. Plus, transmission is often localised to specific regions and seasons. There is no reason to avoid travel - Brazil remains a safe and rewarding destination for tourists.
Travellers should consult a health professional before their trip to receive up-to-date medical advice. Preventive measures such as vaccinations, antimalarial medication, and mosquito avoidance can significantly reduce the risk of contracting malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya.
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1. Malaria in Brazil
Malaria is a parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium species, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasites multiply in the liver and red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue.
Where can Malaria be found in Brazil:
Malaria in Brazil is mainly found in the Amazon region. This includes the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Maranhão (western part), Mato Grosso (northern part), Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, and Tocantins. It is also present in Amazonian cities, including the city of Manaus. The Amazon rainforest experiences the least mosquitoes during the dry season, which typically runs from June to November.
Malaria is rare in southern Brazil and along the coast. Major cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, and Brasília are not considered malaria-endemic areas.
Malaria: Level of risk to travellers
While the risk of malaria for travellers visiting the Amazon exists, it is generally low for those who stay in lodges and limit their exposure to mosquito bites. The risk increases for those spending extended time in rural areas, remote villages, or doing outdoor activities like camping or trekking.
Most malaria cases in Brazil are caused by Plasmodium vivax, which is one of the five species of Plasmodium parasites that infect humans. It is the most common species in Brazil and can cause fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Although P. vivax is usually not life-threatening, it can still lead to complications and has a risk of relapse. A smaller proportion of cases are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which is less common in Brazil but more likely to cause severe illness or death if untreated.
How to stay safe from Malaria when travelling in the Amazon Region
Use a strong insect repellent, ideally containing DEET, on exposed skin. You can also spray DEET over clothes if mosquitos continue to bite.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, particularly between dusk and dawn.
Sleep in under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially when camping.
Travel during the dry season, when mosquito numbers are lower.
Consult a travel clinic about whether you need antimalarial medication if visiting the Amazon Rainforest.
2. Dengue Fever in Brazil
Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by one of four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4), transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Infection can result in high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and in some cases, progress to severe dengue requiring hospitalisation.
Where can Dengue be found in Brazil:
Dengue is widespread across Brazil and occurs in all five geographic regions of the country. Dengue is especially common in major cities and metropolitan areas, where high population density and inadequate mosquito control contribute to the spread of the virus.
Brazil experienced a significant increase in dengue cases in 2024 and 2025. Major outbreaks have been reported in popular tourist destinations, including (but not limited to):
Outbreaks tend to be seasonal, with the highest transmission during the rainy season. Each region has a distinct rainy season - for example, in Southeast Brazil this is from November to March, while in the Northeast coastal regions it is from April to July.
Dengue Fever: Level of risk to travellers
Dengue is a major public health issue in Brazil and affects both locals and travellers. All four dengue virus serotypes are circulating in Brazil. A person can be infected multiple times by different serotypes, and secondary infections increase the risk of severe dengue - meaning travellers who have previously had dengue may be at higher risk of severe disease.
How to stay safe from Dengue Fever in Brazil
There are dengue vaccines available, such as Qdenga, but they are not yet widely accessible in all countries or approved for all travellers. Consult a travel clinic about availability.
Use mosquito a repellent with DEET, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Wear long clothing to minimise skin exposure.
Use air-conditioning inside your accommodation.
Keep windows and doors closed from dusk onwards, to prevent mosquitos from entering.
Sleep with a mosquito net if staying in a high-risk area, and if you are unable to keep mosquitos out of your accommodation.
Avoid standing water in and around your accommodation, as this is where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed.
3. Yellow Fever in Brazil
Yellow fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus, transmitted by infected Haemagogus, Sabethes, or Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The disease ranges from mild symptoms such as fever and headache to severe illness and death.
Where can Yellow Fever be found in Brazil:
Yellow fever occurs primarily in areas with tropical and subtropical forests. Historically, yellow fever was limited to forested inland areas, but since 2017 there has been a geographic expansion of transmission into parts of southeastern Brazil, including areas closer to coastal and more densely populated regions. While transmission is not currently occurring in major coastal cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, or Salvador, outbreaks have occurred in nearby rural and forested areas.
Yellow fever may be a risk to travellers visiting the following regions in Brazil:
Amazon region: The highest risk is in the Amazon Basin, where yellow fever is considered endemic. This includes the states of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, Roraima, Pará, Amapá, and Tocantins. These areas have year-round transmission, mostly in forested and rural zones.
Central-West region: There is a recognised risk in Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul. Most transmission occurs in inland rural and forest-adjacent communities.
Southeast region: The risk extends to parts of Minas Gerais and inland/forested areas of São Paulo State and Espírito Santo. Transmission here occurs mainly in forested zones and peri-urban areas near forest edges.
Northeast region: Western Bahia and parts of Maranhão have occasional transmission, mostly in inland areas with forest cover.
South and coastal regions: Historically, southern states such as Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, and Santa Catarina were not considered yellow fever zones. However, transmission has moved southwards and eastwards in recent years.
Yellow Fever: Level of risk to travellers
Yellow fever can lead to serious illness, and has a high case fatality rate in severe cases, but vaccination is highly effective in preventing infection.
Travellers visiting forested areas in endemic states are at risk if unvaccinated. Those who remain in urban centres outside risk zones are at very low risk of infection. However, outbreaks can occur suddenly and in areas where no cases have been reported for years.
How to stay safe from Yellow Fever in Brazil
Luckily, yellow fever is very easy to prevent with a single-dose vaccine that protects you for life. Here are some steps you can take to avoid contracting yellow fever:
A single dose of yellow fever vaccine is generally recommended for travellers aged 9 months or older who are visiting or transiting through risk areas. The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before entering a risk zone. Consult with a travel clinic to determine if this is suitable for you.
Some countries, including Australia and Singapore, require proof of yellow fever vaccination when arriving from Brazil.
Use insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin during daylight hours.
Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, especially in rural or forested areas.
Stay in accommodations with mosquito nets.
Avoid unnecessary travel to forested outbreak zones during periods of active transmission if unvaccinated.
4. Chikungunya in Brazil
Chikungunya is a viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus, transmitted to humans by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It is characterised by sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain, often affecting the hands and feet and sometimes lasting for weeks or months.
Where can Chikungunya be found in Brazil
Chikungunya is present in all regions of Brazil and is most commonly reported in urban and peri-urban areas. Outbreaks have been recorded in large cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, and Fortaleza. Due to the wide presence of the Aedes mosquito, chikungunya transmission can occur in both large cities and smaller towns.
Transmission occurs year-round in many locations, but peaks during the rainy season when mosquito breeding increases.
The major affected areas include:
Northeast (especially Bahia, Pernambuco, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte)
Southeast (especially the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo)
Central-West (such as Mato Grosso and Goiás)
The virus has also been detected in the Northern Region, including urban areas of Amazonas, though at lower rates than in the northeast and southeast states. In the Southern Region, Paraná and Santa Catarina have reported increasing cases in recent years, indicating an expansion of chikungunya transmission.
Chikungunya: Level of risk to travellers
The risk of chikungunya is moderate to high in many populated areas of Brazil, especially during and following the rainy season. The risk is highest for travellers spending time in urban environments without adequate mosquito control.
Chikungunya virus causes symptoms such as high fever, joint pain, rash, and headache. Joint pain can be severe and may persist for weeks or months in some cases. While the disease is rarely fatal, the symptoms can significantly impact travel and recovery time.
How to stay safe from Chikungunya when travelling in Brazil
Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for chikungunya available to travellers. Prevention focuses entirely on mosquito bite avoidance:
Use mosquito a repellent with DEET, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Wear long clothing to minimise skin exposure.
Use air-conditioning inside your accommodation.
Keep windows and doors closed from dusk onwards, to prevent mosquitos from entering.
Sleep with a mosquito net if staying in a high-risk area, and if you are unable to keep mosquitos out of your accommodation.
Avoid standing water in and around your accommodation, as this is where mosquitoes breed.
Be aware of local outbreaks and avoid travel to areas with high transmission during peak periods if possible.
More resources for planning your trip
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.
Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone
Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil
Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!
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