The article, ‘Fast expansion of dengue in Brazil’, published recently in The Lancet provides details on the expanding reach of the dengue virus into new areas of Brazil that are characterised by high elevation and sparse population. Over the past five years, more than 480 municipalities have seen their first local dengue infections, while from Jan-March this year, around half of all new detections were in the south, particularly in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The spread is said to be driven by climate change, population movements and urbanisation. Read more
A PAHO summary on yellow fever (YF) in the region has revealed the pandemic’s impact on vaccine coverage, causing an overall decline in 2019-20 - ‘11 of the 13 endemic countries/territories did not achieve coverage of 95% or greater, and in 7 countries, the coverage was less than 80%’. In 2022 (to the first week of May), confirmed YF cases had been reported from Bolivia (5 cases in the north of La Paz Department), Brazil (3 cases in Pará and Tocantins states), and Peru (2 cases in Junín and Ucayali Departments).
Advice for travellers
Yellow fever virus is a mosquito-borne disease found in tropical and subtropical areas in Central/South America and Africa. While it can be severe, yellow fever infection is a very rare in Australian travellers. However, under the International Health Regulations (IHR), proof of vaccination may be required of any traveller entering or leaving an area at risk of yellow fever transmission. Read more about yellow fever.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.