From the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) update on the yellow fever outbreak which first began in September 2017: ‘3,902 suspected cases have been reported from all 36 States and the FCT ... 78 positive cases from 14 states (Kwara, Kogi, Kano, Zamfara, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Katsina, Edo, Ekiti, Rivers, Anambra, FCT, and Benue States) have been confirmed’. Reactive vaccination campaigns have been carried out in 12 states. In other NCDC news, monkeypox cases continue to occur – the 45 confirmed cases (from a total of 114 suspected infections) in 2018 (to Dec 13) were reported from 13 states. In a ProMED post, a moderator describes the outbreak as unusual as ‘Rather than sporadic or rare cases, there have been over 100 cases scattered over a large geographic area this year [2018]’. (Archive Number: 20181231.6237302) Read more
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.