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Yellow Fever
The Disease
Yellow Fever is a serious haemorrhagic fever spread by mosquitoes. It is characterised by fever, jaundice and bleeding.
Yellow fever is fatal in more than 60% of cases.
Many countries have visa requirements for yellow fever vaccination, particularly for those travellers planning to travel from or through an endemic or infected area. Vaccination can only be performed by a government-registered provider, such as Travelvax, and should be administered in conjunction with other recommended vaccines.
Where is it found?
The disease occurs extensively in Africa and South America, and Panama in Central America.
Risk to travellers
Yellow Fever occurs only rarely in travellers.
If travelling to a country where Yellow fever is present, travellers should take precautions against insect bites (See mosquito avoidance measures in Malaria section).
Vaccination
Type:
- Live attenuated viral vaccine (Stamaril).
Standard schedule:
- Single dose protects for 10 years (An International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is required to confirm vaccination.)
Level of protection:
- High level of protection (almost 100%).
Possible side-effects:
- Redness, swelling and pain at the injection site.
- Swelling of glands under arms.
- Seven to 10 days after vaccination, a fever with stiff joints, tiredness, muscle pain and headache may be experienced.
People are requested to remain at the clinic under observation for 30 minutes after administration of the Yellow fever vaccine.
As with all vaccines, there is a small risk of allergic reaction.