THE HAZARDS

MEDICAL

This page is not meant as a medical guide for travelers to Brazil. Please consult with your doctor for specific information related to your needs and your medical history; recommendations may differ for women, young children, and persons who have chronic medical conditions. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is a good source of information on vaccines and health related hazards. See: http://www.cdc.gov/tropsam.htm

Medication Musts

Insect repellant containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide)
Flying-insect spray or mosquito coils to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes.
Bandages/band aids - new latex band aids work great 
Second skin
Anti-biotic ointment
Anti fungal powder
Betadine
Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine (just in case)
Aspirin/ibuprofine
Sun block, lip block
Sunburn care 

Locals

To avoid trouble in the water, please respect the local surfers, don't surf the big name spots at the busiest times of the day, don't paddle out at breaks beyond your skill level. Don't leave valuables in your car.