YELLOW FEVER

Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne acute infection currently restricted to parts of South America and Africa. (see maps) The case fatality rate in non indigenous individuals may be as high as 50%. .. full information & additional links

CDC defines " Yellow Fever-endemic zones " as areas reporting cases but also includes areas where there is a potential risk of infection on account of the presence of vectors and animal reservoirs. Because there is a potential for infection for travellers to either endemic or infected zones, the best protection is to be vaccinated when visiting such areas. Many countries consider "Yellow Fever endemic zones" as "infected areas", and require travellers arriving from them to have a certificate of vaccination. This also includes passengers who have only been in transit through these endemic countries. Although there is no rational justification for this action, travellers will find this practice rigidly enforced. They will either be detained in isolation for 6 days [e.g. India], or in the precincts of the airport until they resume their journey [e.g. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore & Egypt., (age exemption is 1 year and below & 6months for India).]

Yellow fever-infected areas, by World Health Organization criteria, are areas reporting yellow fever cases.  The most current information on CDC yellow fever vaccination recommendations by country can be found at:

Yellow Fever vaccine is very effective and well tolerated. Side effects and adverse reactions are usually mild. 2-5% of vaccinees have mild headache, myalgia, low-grade fever, or other minor symptoms occurring 5 -10 days after vaccination. Contraindications are true egg allergy, cellular immunodeficiency (appears safe if CD4 count above 200) and pregnancy (except after 6 months gestation if the risk is high). See also:

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