Britons have been issued a travel warning for Brazil, as holidaymakers are warned they could contract a disease that causes symptoms including fever, rashes and red eyes.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told British travellers those who take a trip to Brazil run the risk of catching Zika virus.
Brazil is a stunning holiday destination famous for its white-sand beaches, spectacular Amazon rainforest and Amazon River, culturally rich and colourful cities, world-famous carnival and the Christ the Redeemer statue.
But before visiting this vibrant, beautiful country, it's important to consult the UK Government's essential guidance.
The FCDO advised: "At least eight weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccination recommendations for Brazil.
Brazil is an incredible holiday destination which offers vast experiences
GETTY IMAGES"See where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page.
"See what health risks you’ll face in Brazil, including yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, Zika and high UV levels.
"Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Brazil. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
"There is an increase of dengue in Brazil. Local authorities have declared states of emergency have been introduced in multiple regions of the country, including in Rio de Janeiro State.
"Dengue is spread by mosquitos, take extra steps to avoid being bitten. Read TravelHealthPro’s Brazil page and information on avoiding insect and tick bites."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explained that the most common symptoms are fever, rash, headache, joint and muscle pain, and red eyes.
Zika virus
TravelHealthPro has essential information about Zika virus that Britons should read before a trip to Brazil.
Holidaymakers were told: "Zika virus (ZIKV) is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which predominantly feed during daytime hours. A small number of cases of sexual transmission of ZIKV have also been reported.
"Most people infected with ZIKV have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and short-lived. Serious complications and deaths are not common.
"However, ZIKV is a cause of Congenital Zika Syndrome (microcephaly and other congenital anomalies) and neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome."
Prevention
- All travellers should avoid mosquito bites, particularly during daytime hours
- There is no vaccination or medication to prevent Zika virus infection
- Women should avoid becoming pregnant while travelling in this country, and for two months (eight weeks) after their last possible Zika virus exposure
- If a woman develops symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection, it is recommended she avoids becoming pregnant for a further two months following recovery
- Women who visited this country while pregnant, or who become pregnant within two months after their last possible Zika virus exposure, should contact their GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if they have not been unwell
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Holidaymakers warned they should expect power outages and compulsory curfews in popular destination
GETTY IMAGESTravelHealthPro advised: "Please note screening of returning travellers without Zika virus symptoms is not available on the NHS.
"Couples planning pregnancy in the very near future should consider whether they should avoid travel to a country or area with risk of Zika virus, rather than delay conception for the recommended period (see below) after travel. This particularly includes couples in assisted fertility programmes."
Couples should follow Public Health England's guidance on the prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus.
They should also avoid conception as follows:
- If both partners travelled, for three months after last possible Zika virus exposure
- Male traveller only, for three months after last possible Zika virus exposure
- Female traveller only, for two months after last possible Zika virus exposure
TravelHealthPro said: "Last possible Zika virus exposure is defined as the later of either the date of leaving a country or area with risk for Zika virus transmission, or the date on which unprotected sexual contact with a potentially infectious partner took place."
TravelHealthPro has specific information for pregnant women, their partners and couples planning pregnancy, as well as detailed guidance on factors to consider when assessing the risk of Zika virus.
Britons thinking of visiting Brazil should consult the FCDO for up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help. There is essential guidance on areas the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to.
This comes as holidaymakers were warned they should expect power outages and compulsory curfews in a popular destination.