030419 – Yellow Fever Advisory

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

Travelers to certain parts of South America and Africa are at risk for yellow fever. Yellow fever vaccine and preventing mosquito bites is the best protection against yellow fever disease.

Brazil is currently in the seasonal period for yellow fever, which occurs from December through May.  There is currently a large, ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in multiple states of Brazil, and the CDC has temporarily expanded the region for which the yellow fever is recommended.

Symptoms of yellow fever (fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle aches) take 3–6 days to develop. About 15% of people who get yellow fever develop serious illness including bleeding, shock, organ failure, and sometimes death.

Awareness of the signs and symptoms of yellow fever are recommended for anyone living or traveling in areas at risk for yellow fever transmission. Persons experiencing symptoms are encouraged to seek healthcare quickly.

Plan ahead to get the vaccine early if you need it.

• Anyone 9 months or older who travels to areas where yellow fever vaccine is recommended should be vaccinated against yellow fever at least 10 days before travel.  Vaccine availability is limited to select clinics in the United States.
• Some countries require proof of vaccination before you can enter the country.  This document is a yellow card called the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).  It proves that you have had yellow fever vaccine, however it is not valid until 10 days after you get the vaccine.

Sources

• WHO – Yellow fever – Brazil
• CDC – Yellow Fever
• CDC – Yellow Fever in Brazil