Further to a Dec 17 WHO Disease Outbreak News update on the intensification of yellow fever (YF) transmission affecting all states, there are reports of 13 confirmed YF cases (and three deaths) from Jos North, Bassa, Riyom and Wase in Plateau state. In the update, the WHO notes the elevated risk for spread of the YF virus ‘into densely populated urban areas where preventive mass vaccination campaigns have not been conducted so far’, such as Kano and Lagos. In other YF news, suspected yellow fever cases continue to be reported from Sikasso and Koulikoro regions in Mali, now numbering 41 with five deaths. The WHO assessment places the proximity of the affected regions to the capital Bamako and the Côte d’Ivoire border, plus low immunity and high population movements as presenting ‘a risk of amplification’ which is high on a national level and moderate for the region. Read more. Level one travel notices have been issued by the US CDC regarding Nigeria’s ongoing outbreaks of monkeypox and Lassa fever.
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.