2016 Summer Games

The 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are scheduled from August 5 to August 21, 2016, and the 2016 Paralympic Games are scheduled for September 7 to September 18, 2016.  Temperatures are expected to be in the high 70s to low 80s for August.  The International Olympic Committee have predicted around 480,000 tourists will descend on Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016.

The CDC, WHO, the U.S. Department of State and other official sources provide helpful advice for travelers going to Brazil during the 2016 Summer games.

People-related advise

• Review General Safety and Security Tips for Travelers, advise for Women Travelers, LGBTQA Travelers and Travelers with Disabilities.
• Review advise for Traveling with Medications and Alcohol and Drugs Abroad.
• Reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  Travelers engaging in sexual contact with a new partner abroad may be at high risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection, including Zika.
• Follow Road Safety advise. Road Traffic Deaths are the leading cause of death among young people aged 15 and 29 years, and estimated to be the ninth leading cause of death across all age groups.
• Follow advise for travel to Mass Gatherings.

Environmental advise

• Review guidance for Zika Virus in Pregnancy in Brazil.
• Avoid Bug Bites. Diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as Zika, malaria, dengue, and yellow fever, are common throughout Brazil.
• Make Safe Food and Water choices. Also download CDC’s mobile app  “Can I Eat This?”
• Be careful about swimming or wading in fresh water. Infections such as schistosomiasis and leptospirosis are spread by contact with fresh water.
• Follow advise for Travel to Hot Climates and Sun Exposure.
• Be mindful of Water Activities and the Risk of Drowning.

Special advisories

• 2016 Summer Olympics travel notice. Follow CDC’s recommendations to help you stay safe and healthy
• Zika Virus in Brazil. CDC recommends that travelers to Brazil protect themselves from mosquito bites.
• Chikungunya in South America. CDC recommends that travelers to the South America protect themselves from mosquito bites.
• Traveling to Brazil for the Olympics and Paralympics.  The U.S. Department of State offers resources to set up a safety net, stay informed, be aware of prevalent risks in Brazil, available assistance for victims of crime and other relevant information.

The risk information in this report is retrieved from official sources as listed. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed above for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.