The health problem you are most likely to encounter will be stomach upsets. So it is advisable to bring Imodium or something similar. The water coming out of the taps in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other major cities in Brazil is potable but heavily chlorinated and doesn't taste nice. If in doubt about water quality stick to bottled water. This is readily available in stores of all sizes.
There is no Malaria in and around Rio De Janeiro but if you are going north to the Amazon area then you will need to take anti-malarial drugs. Consult your doctor or health clinic to find which type is suitable for Brazil. If you are going to the Amazon then bring your anti-malaria tablets with you. Incredible as it may seem getting them in Brazil is very difficult. There are Mosquitoes in Rio De Janeiro and so it is well worth bringing a good insect repellent - a deet based one seems to be the best. These types are available in the major cities.
There is one mosquito transmitted disease that has occurred over the past few years in and around Rio de Janeiro. It is Dengue fever. Similar to Malaria and can cause death in the young and old. However there are very few cases. In percentage terms probably an infinitesimal number of the population contracted the disease and only a handful died. A big public awareness campaign was run over the last few years and little has been heard recently about any outbreak. There is no anti-dengue preventive medicine that can be taken.
Consult your doctor over vaccinations that are recommended. For Rio De Janeiro you will probably find there are no particular requirements but if you are heading to the Amazon then you will at least need a Yellow Fever vaccination. And this will be checked on internal flights and even if you travel up by coach. Cholera vaccination may also be recommended but note that this is not a 100% full proof vaccination. When in the Amazon, drink only bottled/canned drinks and water, well cooked food. If eating fruit insure it is well washed and avoid eating the skins.
There are good quality hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other large Brazilian cities but these are not free. We strongly recommend you obtain travel and health insurance before coming.
Be careful when swimming, there are strong undercurrents along all the main beaches in Rio de Janeiro. The life guards who are based at numbered posts along the beach front (see photo) will put red flag markers up on the beach marking an area when it is unsafe for swimming.
The sun is very strong during summer ( November - March ) in Rio de Janeiro and the south and all year round the further north in Brazil you travel. If your skin isn't used to it then make sure you bring plenty of sun block or get it in Brazil. And don't stay in the sun too long for the first few days. Build up slowly.
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