A WHO Disease Outbreak News post provides background on the recent yellow fever (YF) infections in Moyo, Buliisa and Maracha – eight in all, four fatalities among them and involved new localities. As two of the Moyo district cases were traders moving between Uganda and Kajo-Keji County in South Sudan, investigations are being carried out in that region (which is also suffering outbreaks of malaria, acute watery diarrhoea, measles and bloody diarrhoea). YF vaccination coverage in Uganda is negligible at 4.2 percent (planned to be added to the routine immunisation schedule, but not in force as yet). Entry conditions for travellers arriving in Uganda dictate that proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all those aged one year and above.
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.