How to Avoid Risks: Recommendations for Athletes and Delegations Before Traveling to Brazil

The Summer Olympic Games will be held in Brazil from August 5 to 21, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. The Paralympic Games will be held from September 7 to 18, 2016, also in Rio.

Ten athletes from Bosnia and Herzegovina will compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics in athletics, judo, tennis, shooting and swimming, and the BiH delegation will number more than 20 members. At the Paralympic Games, BiH will also be represented by a multi-member delegation, primarily the sitting volleyball team.

The Institute for Public Health of the Sarajevo Canton has issued recommendations for travelers heading to Rio. Various health risks are associated with Brazil, and one of the primary ones is the risk of Zika virus infection for pregnant women, due to the potential risk of fetal damage. It is recommended that pregnant women do not go to the Olympic Games, and if they must go, they should strictly adhere to measures for preventing mosquito bites (use condoms during sexual intercourse, avoid sexual intercourse during travel). For individuals planning to become pregnant, it is important that they or their sexual partners implement all measures related to the prevention of Zika virus infection.

For all travelers to the Summer Olympic Games, it is important before departure to visit the International Travelers' Surveillance Clinic 4 to 6 weeks prior to travel to assess vaccination needs - it is recommended to check routine vaccinations, especially MMR (measles, rubella, mumps), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and polio.

Other recommended vaccines include: vaccine against viral hepatitis type A, typhoid, hepatitis B, yellow fever and rabies, take medication against malaria and traveler's diarrhea, and arrange travel health insurance.

During the stay, avoid traveling at night if possible, carry a photocopy of your passport and entry visa with you, leave your passport in the hotel safe, obtain contact information for the nearest BiH embassy or consular office, do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry, and respect local regulations.

Pay attention to food and drinking water safety

During your stay in Brazil, it is especially recommended to avoid consuming food purchased on the street, adding ice to drinks, use smaller bottles of bottled water (0.5-1 liter) and purchase water exclusively from stores, not from street vendors.

Prevention of insect bites

Various mosquito-borne diseases occur in Brazil. The most significant among them are: malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika virus transmission. To prevent these diseases, it is important to: get vaccinated against yellow fever, take medication for malaria prevention (antimalarials), implement measures to protect against mosquito bites, use repellents (mosquito repellent), avoid being outdoors during dusk and dawn, wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants when outdoors, and wear closed-toe shoes.

Prevention of consequences caused by high temperatures

High temperatures lead to increased sweating, causing loss of water and minerals. Therefore, it is important for everyone, especially athletes who also sweat heavily due to the nature of their activities, to implement measures to prevent fluid loss (dehydration), which include consuming sufficient amounts of water or other fluids, avoiding direct sun exposure, and using sunscreen with a high protection factor.

It is of great importance to wear loose, comfortable clothing made of natural materials, in light colors, and to wear protective headgear (hats, caps, scarves).

Upon returning from Brazil, if within fifteen days of your return you experience any health issues (fever, general weakness, stomach problems, breathing problems, etc.), see a doctor and be sure to mention that you have returned from a trip to Brazil.