Rio Carnival 2019, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

12 Feb 2019

In 2019, the Rio Carnival will take place from 1–9 March 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with an expected 1 million participants. It is likely that travellers from the UK will attend the event. The main risks to travellers include vaccine preventable infections, infections transmitted through food and water and poor hygiene and vector borne diseases.

Prior to travel

Travellers should ensure that all of their UK national schedule vaccines are up to date and in particular that they have had two doses of measles containing vaccine (MMR) and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. In addition, vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid and yellow fever may be advised.

There is currently on ongoing yellow fever outbreak taking place in Brazil. Travellers should seek pre travel advice as soon as possible and at least 10 days before travel for yellow fever vaccination.

Travellers who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should seek health advice about zika and postponement of travel may be advised.

For further information access Brazil page.

During Travel

Dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses are present in Brazil. None of these infections are vaccine preventable therefore avoidance of mosquito bites is essential. Travellers are advised to follow good food and water hygiene practices. Safe sex practices and the use of condoms is important to avoid sexually transmitted infections.

After travel

Anyone who becomes ill upon return should seek healthcare advice and report their stay in Brazil.