CDC Offers 2014 World Cup Travel Tips
Vaccinations, avoiding mosquitoes, and choosing safe transportation are some of its recommendations.
CDC has posted some safety and health recommendations for Americans who plan to travel to Brazil to attend this year's FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, which begins June 12 and will end June 13. Rio de Janeiro is the host city, but matches will take place in 12 cities nationwide.
The recommendations include having a medical appointment before the trip to get vaccinations and medicines that are recommended for Brazil. CDC also recommends:
- Purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance and packing a travel health kit of over-the-counter medicines to take with you.
- Avoiding mosquitoes by using insect repellent "to help avoid mosquitoes that can carry dengue, which is common in Brazil. Yellow fever and malaria, also spread by mosquitoes, are also found in some areas so talk to a doctor about your itinerary to see if you need vaccination or medicines to prevent these diseases."
- Washing your hands often and avoiding contact with people who are sick.
- If you drink alcohol, doing so in moderation. Drink bottled water and follow food safety guidelines to protect against foodborne illnesses.
- Protecting yourself from the sun.
- Avoiding unprotected sex.
- Not eating food from street vendors, making sure cooked food is served hot, and eating only fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself.
- Choosing safe transportation and wearing seat belts. Travelers are urged to avoid traveling alone at night or wearing expensive jewelry or other valuables.
For more detailed health information for travelers to Brazil, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/brazil.htm or http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1072.html.