Going to the World Cup? Check your vaccinations

World Cup attendees traveling to Brazil should ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations, including a second dose of measles, mumps, and rubella.

Despite the fact that measles and rubella have been eliminated in the Americas, these viruses are still circulating in other regions of the world and thus the Americas is at risk of travelers potentially bringing the measles or rubella virus to the region.

If you are travelling to the World Cup you are advised to be on the lookout for the following symptoms (both during your trip to Brazil and when you get home): fever, rash, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, joint pain, and swollen glands.

If while traveling or on your return you believe that you have contracted measles or rubella, you are advised to:

• Stay at home (or in your hotel room if traveling) except to seek medical attention;
• Do not travel and do not go to public places;
• Avoid close contact with others for 7 days after your rash appears.

Travelers to the World Cup should consider risks associated with food, water and mosquito borne illness, personal safety, drug and alcohol use and unprotected sex.  Information about prevention is available from the Travel Clinic.