Yellow Fever Outbreak In Venezuela

Created by doina. Last modified on 2004-01-22 10:59:02
Topic: Medical
Countries: Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela

Due to an outbreak of yellow fever in Venezuela yachtsmen are required to have a valid yellow fever inoculation for entry to Venezuela. This is a precaution for you, the visitor, and for the protection of the population of the country that you may visit after leaving Venezuela, especially if that country has the Aedis Egpyti mosquito. In Trinidad, the yellow fever vaccination can be obtained from the Carenage Health Centre on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, free of charge.

source: YSATT, Trinidad

Since September 10, 2003, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has reported over two hundred cases of yellow fever in several Latin American countries. This is the highest number of cases reported from the region since 1998. An outbreak along the Colombian-Venezuelan border is reported to be still active even after a mass vaccination campaign.

Yellow Fever is only found in some parts of Africa and South America. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Vaccination against yellow fever gives protection for ten years. Vaccination can only be carried out at designated centres, a list of which can be obtained from health authorities, travel agents or one's own doctor. Although yellow fever is found mainly in tropical forest areas and sailors are unlikely to encounter it, the vaccination is compulsory for travel to some countries, even if only visiting the coast or main ports. A vaccination certificate may be required also in subsequent ports if arriving from countries where yellow fever is present. If not possessing a certificate, one may have to be vaccinated on the spot, a reason for carrying one's own sterile needles and syringes.

Europe, Barbados and other destinations in the Caribbean require yellow fever vaccination certificates for people arriving from Venezuela.

COUNTRIES IN YELLOW FEVER ENDEMIC ZONE (South/Central America and Caribbean): Argentina (northeastern forest), Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela.

Latest reports are that the yellow fever outbreak that began in July 2003 and affected five Latin American countries is now waning. No new cases have been reported from the region since mid-November.

No vaccinations are currently required to go to the United States.