Yellow fever has been confirmed as the cause of death last month in a young man from an Amerindian village in ‘the heart of the Amazon’. The WHO announced the fatal case on Aug 1, describing how evidence of his yellow fever vaccinations was lacking even though coverage in the local area is high. The village, Cayodé, lies on the Maroni River which forms the border between French Guiana and Suriname. Earlier French language reports stated that the 14yo was co-infected with SARS-CoV-2. 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.