The past week or two has seen a surge of travellers to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. It seems that a “grad trip” to the tropics is becoming the norm for some 18 year olds. This resort area has reported cases of malaria (P. falciparum, the most serious strain), for the past three years. Another case was reported in a Canadian two weeks ago. So, while the risk may be low, Canadians are advised to use an insect repellent in the evenings, and take an antimalarial medication, preferably chloroquine or Malarone.
On the yellow fever front, Brasil, and now neighbouring Paraguay and Argentina, have experienced a resurgence of yellow fever, a deadly mosquito-borne virus. This includes the region where Iguassu Falls is located. Again, while the risk may be low, a yellow fever shot is highly recommended as the illness has up to a 50% mortality rate. While it is probably not necessary for those just visiting Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro, Brasilian authorities and cruise ship operators are getting pretty picky!
This link will show you the yellow fever risk areas in Brasil … http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentUpdatedYFMapBrazil.aspx
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