Infected Mosquitoes May Disrupt Brazil's Carnival 2025

While Carnival 2025 is a global celebration, the Federative Republic of Brazil's events in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro may be most visited by international travelers from late February to early March.

Millions of Carnival participants, including about 200,000 visitors, will enjoy warm beaches, parades, and cultural festivities.

However, as of February 16, 2025, Carnival attendees in São Paulo State may be at risk for mosquito-transmitted diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever.

These vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks started in 2025 as they finished in 2024, setting unfortunate records.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has already recorded over 24,000 chikunguna cases and seven release fatalities in Brazil. In São Paulo, 1,375 cases and one death have been reported this year.

The PAHO reported that in February 2025, Brazil confirmed about 400,000 dengue cases and 72 fatalities. In São Paulo state, about 103,000 cases and 94 deaths have been confirmed.

And yellow fever outbreaks may reach new heights in 2025, as the São Paulo State Health Department recently confirmed eight yellow fever-related deaths in unvaccinated people.

The Government of São Paulo intends to offer disease prevention guidance and awareness-raising actions on the media before and during Carnival. Also, a public health campaign will inform the population about the importance of combating disease-carrying mosquitoes since 80% of Aedes aegypti breeding sites are found inside homes.

"Common symptoms shared by chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever include high fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and generalized fatigue," Duellyn Pandis, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, informed Vax-Before-Travel News. "While these symptoms overlap, each disease has its own specific manifestations and severity levels."

"Chikungunya includes joint pain and swelling and rash starting 3-7 days after being bitten."

"Dengue additionally has pain behind the eyes, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which includes symptoms like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, and rapid breathing."

"With yellow fever, symptoms also include chills and vomiting. In the toxic phase, symptoms may include jaundice(yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, bleeding, and organ failure," added Pandis, President & CEO and co-owner of Passport Health-Tampa.

Another disease prevention option for attending Carnival 2025 is vaccination.

The U.S. CDC has issued Travel Health Advisories for diseases in Brazil and recommends preventive vaccination before traveling to outbreak areas.

As of February 2025, various travel clinics and pharmacies in the U.S. commercially offer the IXCHIQ® Chikungunya and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Many say Carnival is the most incredible show on Earth and the biggest event of the Brazilian calendar, but staying healthy is essential to enjoying the fun.

Note: This VBT news article was updated on Feb. 17, 2925, to include travel vaccine expert insight.