Yellow fever Vaccination

Yellow fever is a serious infectious disease caused by a virus. This virus occurs exclusively in sub-Saharan Africa and South America; the risk of infection is highest in West Africa and the Amazon region. Most infections occur during the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. Yellow fever is transmitted from monkeys to humans via mosquitoes. The mosquitoes are active from dawn to dusk, especially in the early morning and afternoon. Three to six days after infection, the first symptoms occur. Fever, jaundice and bleeding are prominent symptoms. About 30 per cent of patients die of yellow fever. To prevent the spread of the virus, some countries make vaccination mandatory. By doing so, the World Health Organisation wants to prevent areas that are free of yellow fever from becoming infected but are inhabited by mosquitoes that can transmit the virus. When entering such a country, you will need a valid vaccination certificate. If you are travelling to a destination where yellow fever vaccination is mandatory or recommended, get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure.