MyVaccs™

The Disease

There are two types of Yellow Fever; Jungle yellow fever and Urban yellow fever. Jungle yellow fever is transmitted among non-human hosts (mainly monkeys) via forest mosquitoes. Humans can become infected when they enter the forest habitat and can become the source of urban yellow fever outbreaks when they return to the cities.
Urban yellow fever is however generally spread to urban areas by mosquitoes. It can occur in areas with close proximity to forests.
Both jungle and urban cases occur in Africa (especially West Africa). Urban cases are rare in the Americas. The incubation period is short, usually 3 - 6days and the disease can spread quickly. Yellow fever is not spread by person-to-person contact. Mild cases of the disease can go unnoticed. Typical cases are characterised by sudden onset of fever, backache, generalised muscle pain, prostration, nausea and vomiting. A slow, weak pulse may be felt, that is out of proportion to an elevated temperature. Jaundice is also common. In extreme cases the disease can lead to liver damage and death.

Distribution

Yellow Fever is most prominent in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is a major public health issue. Other areas of Africa also experience periodic but unpredictable outbreaks of urban yellow fever.

The risk of yellow fever transmission exists in ten South and Central American countries, and also in the Caribbean. Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela are considered to be at greatest risk. Usually only sporadic cases and small outbreaks occur. Most urban dwellers are vulnerable because of the low immunisation coverage within these areas. Since 1996, five short-term tourists have died from the disease. Yellow fever has never been reported from Asia. MyVaccs is unable to provide up to the minute information about endemic regions. Always check with a medical professional regarding your circumstances and vaccination.

Vaccination

It is important to seek advice from a medical professional if you are seeking a yellow fever vaccination due to the many considerations that have to be taken into account such as pregnancy. Vaccination is recommended for anyone travelling to, or living in, an area or country where yellow fever is found. Yellow fever vaccination is only available from designated centres. A single injection of vaccine protects against yellow fever for about ten years. A booster dose can be given after ten years for those at continued risk. Yellow fever vaccine should be given at least ten days before travelling to allow your body to develop full immunity. Children aged 6-9 nine months should only be immunised if the risk of yellow fever during travel is unavoidable. Yellow fever vaccine cannot be given to children under 6 months old.

The vaccination for Yellow Fever can have side effects. These are generally flu like symptoms that occur 2-3 days after receiving the vaccination.

Notes for Travellers

Vaccination is a necessity if you are travelling to an area where Yellow fever is present.  The risk of contracting the disease is greater if individuals are involved in high risk activities such as jungle expeditions. Many countries now require a certificate of immunisation against yellow fever prior to allowing entry- An International Certificate of Vaccination only becomes valid ten days after vaccination and remains valid for a period of ten years. Travellers should be advised to use personal protective measures when entering areas where yellow fever is present. Avoidance of mosquito bites should be emphasised during the hours of daylight. Jungle yellow fever can only be prevented by immunisation.