Residents in the southern state of Paraná have been urged to get their yellow fever (YF) vaccinations as authorities announced that 16 people are undergoing testing for the infection amid a rising number of monkey deaths (YF virus reservoirs) in areas that include within the metropolitan region of the capital, Curitiba. Read more. Dengue fever cases have been increasing also – more than 3,800 cases were reported last week and much of Paraná is now on alert as the peak Feb/Mar season gets underway. The three municipalities reporting the highest number of suspected dengue cases were Londrina, Paranavaí and Foz do Iguaçu, according to a Feb 4 state health dept report.
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.