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YELLOW FEVER

Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted by the aedes mosquito and occurs in West,East and Central Africa and the Amazon region of South America. Symptoms occur three to six days after being bitten and include fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. The ‘yellow’ is due to the severe jaundice caused by liver invasion. This is very serious and can lead to death. In unprotected individuals the death rate is greater than 50%. There is no specific treatment and management is supportive.

Vaccination against Yellow Fever is extremely effective and is the only vaccine, which may be compulsory under International regulations.

The vaccination may be required for travellers to sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Saudi Arabia has introduced a requirement of Yellow Fever vaccination for pilgrims to the Haj.

One dose lasts 10 years and must be given at least 10 days before entry into a Yellow Fever area. Travellers may be refused entry or detained in quarantine if the country requires proof of vaccination and the traveller cannot provide it.

International certificates are valid only if the vaccine used is World Health Organization (WHO) approved and the vaccinating centre is one designated by the national health administration.

Yellow fever infected countries are those that have known and reported cases of yellow fever.

WHO publishes periodically up-dated lists.

Yellow fever endemic zone countries are countries where the conditions for spread of yellow fever are present. Endemic zones are shown on the accompanying maps.

Vaccination advice should be sought by anyone visiting an endemic zone, especially if travel outside urban areas is anticipated. Because outbreaks can occur at any time, the situation can vary with little notice, the traveller should seek up-to-date information about infective areas.

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