Brazil Blog

Brazil Talk!

Mosquitos in Brazil

Filed under: Ask Us - February 20th, 2006

Your Question:

Hi, Can you tell me if I need to be concerned about protecting myself against malaria and typhoid in Brazil (in Sao Paulo, Ubatuba and rural Brazil - Abadiania, Goias)? Also, how bad are the bugs and mosquitos in these areas? Do I need repellant? Here in Manitoba, Canada where I live the mosquitos are REALLY bad so I can’t imagine anywhere worse!

Our Reply:

I definitely recommend getting a vaccine against typhoid, as well as consider taking the malaria pills, especially if you plan on going anywhere near the Amazon. Many doctors recommend that you take the Malaria pills just to be safe, but the doctors should have some information regarding the importance of taking them as well as some reasons you may not want to take them. I myself have never taken the Malaria pills during my travels in Brazil, but I have known of people who take them just for peace of mind because the mosquitos in many parts of Brazil are terrible. As for getting a repellant, DO IT!! If you can find one with the maximum allowance of DEET, get it! There are however repellants here that you can purchase, but many of them don’t tell the levels of DEET contained. I have never been to Manitoba so I can’t tell you if they are worse in Brazil, but I guess it’s always best to be well prepared rather than not.
Thanks for your questions.