2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil: CDC warns about travelers diarrhea, dengue fever, schistosomiasis and STDs

With just 93 days before the beginning of the  Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) World Cup 2014 in Brazil, an estimated 500,000 soccer fans from all over the globe, including many Americans, will descend on Brazil to attend the world’s largest soccer event.

This has prompted the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to release a travel notice today for fans going to Brazil for the month-long futbol (soccer) tournament.

The federal health agency recommends you schedule an appointment with your physician or travel medicine clinic at least 4–6 weeks before you depart on your trip.

As part of your visit to the travel medicine clinic, ensure your vaccinations are up to date  including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and flu.

Travelers are also advised to follow food and water safety guidelines to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and traveler’s diarrhea.

Because Brazil is home to dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever, the CDC advises to prevent mosquito bites and use insect repellent.

Health officials also advise travelers to avoid swimming in fresh water due to the parasitic infection, schistosomiasis.

Sexually transmitted infections are also a concern for travelers. The CDC notes, “While celebrating, people  may encourage travelers to engage in risky sex, especially if alcohol or drugs are involved. Carry condoms that you purchased in the United States. Read more about how to prevent these conditions by visiting the Traveler STD page.”

Other advice given by the CDC includes keeping hydrated, following security and safety guidelines to keep safe, purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance and other tips.

The 2014 World Cup is scheduled from June 12 through July 13, 2014 and will be located in twelve cities across Brazil.

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