What is the yellow fever vaccine. How does it work. Who should get vaccinated. What are the potential side effects. When should you seek medical attention after vaccination.

Understanding Yellow Fever: A Potentially Fatal Disease

Yellow fever is a serious viral infection that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Caused by the yellow fever virus, this disease is primarily found in certain regions of South America and Africa. The virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, making it a significant concern for travelers and residents in endemic areas.

While some individuals may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms and recover quickly, others can develop a severe form of the infection. Severe cases of yellow fever can lead to alarming symptoms such as:

• High fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mortality rate for severe yellow fever cases ranges from 30% to 60%. This sobering statistic underscores the importance of prevention and vaccination.

The Yellow Fever Vaccine: A Lifesaving Intervention

Given the potential severity of yellow fever, vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing infection. But how exactly does the yellow fever vaccine work?

The vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies against the yellow fever virus. These antibodies provide protection by recognizing and fighting off the virus if you’re exposed to it in the future. The vaccine is administered as a single, relatively painless injection.

For individuals in the United States planning to travel to areas where yellow fever is prevalent, vaccination must be obtained at an authorized yellow fever vaccination center. The CDC provides a comprehensive list of these centers, making it easy for travelers to locate a nearby facility.

Duration of Protection: A Shift in Guidelines

Initially, the yellow fever vaccine was thought to provide protection for at least 10 years. However, in 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) revised its guidelines, stating that a single injection should confer lifelong immunity. This change reflects advancements in our understanding of the vaccine’s long-term efficacy.

It’s important to note that this update hasn’t yet been reflected in the International Health Regulations, a legally-binding document issued by the WHO. As a result, some countries may still require proof of vaccination within the past 10 years. To avoid any travel complications, it’s advisable to check the specific regulations of your destination country and consider contacting the local embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Common Side Effects of the Yellow Fever Vaccine

As with most vaccines, the yellow fever vaccine can cause side effects in some individuals. Fortunately, these reactions are typically mild and short-lived. Common side effects may include:

• Low-grade fever
• Muscle aches
• Mild joint pain
• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

These side effects usually appear shortly after vaccination and can persist for up to 14 days, though most resolve within a week. Approximately 25% of vaccine recipients experience these mild side effects.

Rare but Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention

While rare, serious side effects can occur following yellow fever vaccination. The CDC reports the following incidence rates for severe reactions:

• Severe allergic reaction: Affects approximately 1 in 55,000 people
• Severe nervous system reaction: Occurs in about 1 in 125,000 people
• Severe illness with organ failure: Impacts roughly 1 in 250,000 individuals

Given the potential for serious reactions, it’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms after receiving the yellow fever vaccine:

1. Behavior changes
2. Hives or rash
3. Difficulty breathing
4. High fever
5. Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
6. Dizziness or weakness
7. Confusion
8. Persistent cough
9. Difficulty swallowing
10. Severe headache
11. Stiff neck
12. Rapid heartbeat

These symptoms could indicate a severe allergic reaction or other serious complications and require immediate medical evaluation.

Who Should Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?

The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for several groups of people. Are you among those who should consider vaccination?

• Individuals aged 9 months or older living in or traveling to areas where yellow fever is endemic, including parts of South America and Africa
• Travelers to countries requiring proof of yellow fever immunization
• People who may come into contact with the yellow fever virus through their work, such as laboratory workers or healthcare professionals

Pregnant individuals are generally advised to avoid the vaccine unless travel to an epidemic area is absolutely necessary and protection from mosquito bites cannot be ensured.

Contraindications: When to Avoid the Yellow Fever Vaccine

While the yellow fever vaccine is safe for most people, there are certain groups who should not receive it. The vaccine is contraindicated for:

• Children younger than 9 months of age
• Adults older than 59 years who haven’t been previously vaccinated
• Individuals with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy
• People who have had a severe reaction to eggs, gelatin, or other vaccine components
• Those who have experienced a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
• Individuals who have had their thymus removed or have a thymus disorder

If you have a fever at the time of vaccination, it’s best to wait until you’ve recovered before receiving the vaccine. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should only be vaccinated if there’s an unavoidable risk of exposure and protection against mosquito bites cannot be guaranteed.

Beyond Vaccination: Comprehensive Protection Against Yellow Fever

While the yellow fever vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing infection, it’s important to remember that no vaccine is 100% effective. When traveling to areas where yellow fever is present, what additional precautions should you take?

1. Use insect repellent: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.
2. Wear protective clothing: Cover exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, especially during peak mosquito hours.
3. Use bed nets: When sleeping in areas without adequate screening or air conditioning, use bed nets treated with insecticide.
4. Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms: This can significantly reduce your exposure to mosquitoes.
5. Be aware of peak mosquito hours: Yellow fever-carrying mosquitoes are most active during daylight hours, particularly around dawn and dusk.

By combining vaccination with these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting yellow fever while traveling in endemic areas.

The Importance of Consulting a Healthcare Professional

Given the complexity of vaccination recommendations and the potential for side effects, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before receiving the yellow fever vaccine. They can help you assess your individual risk factors, discuss potential side effects, and determine whether the vaccine is appropriate for you.

A healthcare provider can also offer guidance on other travel-related health precautions, such as additional vaccinations or preventive medications that may be necessary for your specific destination.

Staying Informed: The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Travel Health

As global health situations and travel requirements can change rapidly, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest recommendations and regulations. Before your trip, consider checking the following resources:

• The CDC’s Travelers’ Health website
• The World Health Organization’s International Travel and Health guide
• Your destination country’s embassy or consulate website
• Travel clinics specializing in international health

By staying up-to-date with the latest information, you can ensure that you’re taking all necessary precautions to protect your health while traveling.

The Global Impact of Yellow Fever Vaccination

The yellow fever vaccine has played a significant role in reducing the global burden of this potentially deadly disease. How has widespread vaccination impacted yellow fever transmission and outbreaks?

Since the introduction of the yellow fever vaccine in the 1930s, the incidence of yellow fever has dramatically decreased in many parts of the world. Mass vaccination campaigns in endemic areas have helped to control outbreaks and reduce the risk of the disease spreading to new regions.

However, challenges remain. Limited vaccine supply, difficulties in reaching remote populations, and the potential for urban outbreaks in densely populated areas continue to pose threats. Ongoing efforts to improve vaccine production, distribution, and access are crucial for maintaining and expanding the progress made against yellow fever.

The Future of Yellow Fever Prevention

As research into yellow fever and its prevention continues, what developments might we see in the future? Some areas of ongoing investigation include:

• Development of new vaccine technologies that could potentially offer improved efficacy or reduced side effects
• Exploration of alternative vaccination strategies, such as fractional dosing, to extend limited vaccine supplies during outbreaks
• Advancements in vector control methods to reduce mosquito populations and limit disease transmission
• Improved surveillance systems to detect and respond to yellow fever outbreaks more quickly

These ongoing efforts underscore the importance of continued research and investment in yellow fever prevention and control strategies.

Yellow Fever in a Changing Climate

Climate change is altering the distribution of many mosquito-borne diseases, including yellow fever. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns shift, how might the geographic range of yellow fever-carrying mosquitoes change?

Some models predict that climate change could lead to an expansion of suitable habitats for Aedes aegypti, the primary mosquito vector for yellow fever. This could potentially increase the risk of yellow fever transmission in new areas, making vaccination and mosquito control efforts even more critical in the coming years.

Understanding these potential shifts in disease ecology will be crucial for developing effective long-term strategies to combat yellow fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

The Role of International Cooperation in Yellow Fever Control

Controlling yellow fever requires coordinated efforts across national borders. How do international organizations and governments work together to prevent and respond to yellow fever outbreaks?

The World Health Organization, in collaboration with national governments and other partners, plays a key role in:

• Coordinating global yellow fever vaccination efforts
• Maintaining a global stockpile of yellow fever vaccines for emergency response
• Providing technical guidance on yellow fever prevention and control
• Supporting surveillance efforts to detect and respond to outbreaks quickly

These collaborative efforts are essential for maintaining global preparedness against yellow fever and preventing large-scale outbreaks.

Yellow Fever Vaccination: A Personal and Public Health Responsibility

While the decision to get vaccinated against yellow fever is often a personal one, it’s important to recognize the broader public health implications of this choice. How does individual vaccination contribute to community protection?

When a high proportion of a population is vaccinated against yellow fever, it creates a “herd immunity” effect. This can help prevent the spread of the disease even to those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or individuals with certain medical conditions.

By choosing to get vaccinated before traveling to yellow fever-endemic areas, you’re not only protecting yourself but also contributing to global efforts to control this potentially deadly disease.

What to Expect After the Shot

What is the yellow fever vaccine?

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal disease caused by the yellow fever virus.

The virus is found in parts of South America and Africa. It’s spread through the bite of mosquitos infected with the virus. It’s not transmitted from person to person.

Some people with yellow fever only experience flu-like symptoms and recover completely after a short time. Others develop a more severe form of the infection that causes serious symptoms, such as:

• high fever
• vomiting
• yellow skin (jaundice)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30 to 60 percent of those who develop a severe case of yellow fever die.

There’s no cure for yellow fever, though some treatments can help to reduce symptoms. There’s also a yellow fever vaccine that protects people against the yellow fever virus.

We explain how the vaccine works, how it’s given, and its potential side effects.

The yellow fever vaccine causes your immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. It’s administered as a relatively painless injection.

If you’re in the United States and are planning to travel to an area where yellow fever is common, you’ll need to get vaccinated at an authorized yellow fever vaccination center.

You can find their locations here.

Originally, a single dose was meant to last for at least 10 years. But in 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a single injection should provide life-long immunity.

Keep in mind that this change still isn’t reflected in the International Health Regulations, a legally-binding document put out by WHO. As a result, some countries may not accept a certificate that’s more than 10 years old.

You can check regulations in specific countries here. You might want to call the local embassy before your trip just to be sure.

As with almost any other medicine or vaccine, some people have a reaction to the yellow fever vaccine.

Usually, this reaction is mild, with side effects such as:

• fever
• muscle aches
• mild joint pain

In addition, any kind of injection can cause soreness, redness, or swelling around the injection site.

These side effects usually begin shortly after the injection and can last up to 14 days, though most resolve within one week. About 1 in 4 people who get the vaccine experience mild side effects.

There’s a small risk of serious side effects from the yellow fever vaccine. The CDC states that this includes:

• a severe allergic reaction, which affects about 1 in 55,000 people
• a severe nervous system reaction, which affects about 1 in 125,000 people
• severe illness with organ failure, which affects about 1 in 250,000

After receiving the vaccine, keep an eye out for these symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

• behavior changes
• hives
• trouble breathing
• high fever
• swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• dizziness
• weakness

Seek emergency treatment if you experience any of these within minutes or hours of getting the vaccine.

Other symptoms that warrant an immediate visit to a doctor include:

• confusion
• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• irritability
• itching
• nervousness
• rapid heartbeat
• rash
• severe headache
• stiff neck
• throbbing in the ears
• tingling
• vomiting

Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for the following:

• all persons aged 9 months or older who are living in or traveling to areas of South America, Africa, or other countries where the yellow fever virus is found
• people who are traveling to countries requiring proof of yellow fever immunization
• anyone who might come into contact with the yellow fever virus, such as laboratory workers or healthcare professionals

People who are pregnant are advised to get the vaccine only if they must travel to an area where there’s an epidemic and protection from mosquito bites isn’t possible.

The vaccine shouldn’t be given to:

• children younger than 9 months of age
• adults older than 59 years of age
• people with reduced immunity, such as people with HIV or those receiving chemotherapy
• people who’ve had a severe reaction to egg, gelatin, or other ingredients of the vaccine
• people who’ve had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
• people who’ve had their thymus removed or those with a thymus disorder
• travelers over the age of 60 who haven’t been previously vaccinated against yellow fever

If you have a fever, it’s best to wait to get the vaccine until you’re feeling better.

In addition, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should only be vaccinated if there’s an unavoidable risk or protection against mosquito bites isn’t possible.

Yellow fever is a serious illness, so it’s important to get vaccinated if you plan to be in an area where the virus is common.

If you’re not sure if you should get the vaccine, talk to a doctor. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks.

Keep in mind that the vaccine isn’t foolproof. When traveling to areas with the yellow fever virus, it’s important to still protect yourself against mosquito bites by using nets, insect repellants, and protective clothing.

Try to stay indoors during peak times when mosquitos may bite to further lower your risk. Most species bite from dusk to dawn, but one species feeds during the daytime. Staying in air-conditioned rooms can lower your risk.

What to Expect After the Shot

What is the yellow fever vaccine?

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal disease caused by the yellow fever virus.

The virus is found in parts of South America and Africa. It’s spread through the bite of mosquitos infected with the virus. It’s not transmitted from person to person.

Some people with yellow fever only experience flu-like symptoms and recover completely after a short time. Others develop a more severe form of the infection that causes serious symptoms, such as:

• high fever
• vomiting
• yellow skin (jaundice)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30 to 60 percent of those who develop a severe case of yellow fever die.

There’s no cure for yellow fever, though some treatments can help to reduce symptoms. There’s also a yellow fever vaccine that protects people against the yellow fever virus.

We explain how the vaccine works, how it’s given, and its potential side effects.

The yellow fever vaccine causes your immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. It’s administered as a relatively painless injection.

If you’re in the United States and are planning to travel to an area where yellow fever is common, you’ll need to get vaccinated at an authorized yellow fever vaccination center.

You can find their locations here.

Originally, a single dose was meant to last for at least 10 years. But in 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a single injection should provide life-long immunity.

Keep in mind that this change still isn’t reflected in the International Health Regulations, a legally-binding document put out by WHO. As a result, some countries may not accept a certificate that’s more than 10 years old.

You can check regulations in specific countries here. You might want to call the local embassy before your trip just to be sure.

As with almost any other medicine or vaccine, some people have a reaction to the yellow fever vaccine.

Usually, this reaction is mild, with side effects such as:

• fever
• muscle aches
• mild joint pain

In addition, any kind of injection can cause soreness, redness, or swelling around the injection site.

These side effects usually begin shortly after the injection and can last up to 14 days, though most resolve within one week. About 1 in 4 people who get the vaccine experience mild side effects.

There’s a small risk of serious side effects from the yellow fever vaccine. The CDC states that this includes:

• a severe allergic reaction, which affects about 1 in 55,000 people
• a severe nervous system reaction, which affects about 1 in 125,000 people
• severe illness with organ failure, which affects about 1 in 250,000

After receiving the vaccine, keep an eye out for these symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

• behavior changes
• hives
• trouble breathing
• high fever
• swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• dizziness
• weakness

Seek emergency treatment if you experience any of these within minutes or hours of getting the vaccine.

Other symptoms that warrant an immediate visit to a doctor include:

• confusion
• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• irritability
• itching
• nervousness
• rapid heartbeat
• rash
• severe headache
• stiff neck
• throbbing in the ears
• tingling
• vomiting

Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for the following:

• all persons aged 9 months or older who are living in or traveling to areas of South America, Africa, or other countries where the yellow fever virus is found
• people who are traveling to countries requiring proof of yellow fever immunization
• anyone who might come into contact with the yellow fever virus, such as laboratory workers or healthcare professionals

People who are pregnant are advised to get the vaccine only if they must travel to an area where there’s an epidemic and protection from mosquito bites isn’t possible.

The vaccine shouldn’t be given to:

• children younger than 9 months of age
• adults older than 59 years of age
• people with reduced immunity, such as people with HIV or those receiving chemotherapy
• people who’ve had a severe reaction to egg, gelatin, or other ingredients of the vaccine
• people who’ve had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
• people who’ve had their thymus removed or those with a thymus disorder
• travelers over the age of 60 who haven’t been previously vaccinated against yellow fever

If you have a fever, it’s best to wait to get the vaccine until you’re feeling better.

In addition, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should only be vaccinated if there’s an unavoidable risk or protection against mosquito bites isn’t possible.

Yellow fever is a serious illness, so it’s important to get vaccinated if you plan to be in an area where the virus is common.

If you’re not sure if you should get the vaccine, talk to a doctor. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks.

Keep in mind that the vaccine isn’t foolproof. When traveling to areas with the yellow fever virus, it’s important to still protect yourself against mosquito bites by using nets, insect repellants, and protective clothing.

Try to stay indoors during peak times when mosquitos may bite to further lower your risk. Most species bite from dusk to dawn, but one species feeds during the daytime. Staying in air-conditioned rooms can lower your risk.

Yellow fever: description, prevention, treatment

This virus is carried by the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes Aegypti species), this species is especially common in Latin America, South America and Africa.

Despite the fact that the yellow fever vaccine was invented 60 years ago, epidemics in Africa still occur from time to time due to insufficient immunization in cities.

• What is yellow fever?
• Symptoms of yellow fever
• Where is yellow fever common?
• Treatment of yellow fever

Yellow fever

If you are going to a sub-Saharan African country, it is better to take care of vaccination. Prevention of this disease is very important, as it can lead to hepatitis and seriously damage your liver. In fact, the main symptoms of yellow fever – jaundice and fever – come from the fact that the virus damages the liver. This disease can lead to other damage to internal organs, and even fatal ones, so taking safety measures is a matter of life and death.

What is yellow fever? Understanding the Virus

Yellow fever is a viral infection that causes damage to organs, especially the liver. About 200,000 cases are registered annually, 30,000 of which die. The number of cases has recently increased dramatically, due to the fact that cities are growing, the climate is changing, but the immunization of the population is often low. According to WHO, in Latin America the risk of contracting yellow fever is the highest in the world.

So what causes yellow fever? Most often it is transmitted by infected mosquitoes through a bite.

How is yellow fever transmitted?

In most cases, people become infected with yellow fever when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. The virus can also be transmitted directly through an infected person, through dirty needles, for example. Otherwise, this disease is not transmitted from person to person.

Symptoms of yellow fever

Some infected people do not develop symptoms of yellow fever. Usually the infection has 3 stages. The first begins a few days after the mosquito bite and may include the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Dehydration
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Back pain
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Cold-like symptoms
• Heat
• Chills

After the initial phase, most patients get better, and often the disease does not progress further. However, in about 15-25% of patients, the condition worsens again and moves to the third, more serious stage. During this phase, the following symptoms may appear:

• High heat
• Dehydration
• Internal bleeding
• State of shock
• Bleeding from eyes, mouth and nose
• Bloody stool
• Hematemesis
• Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Redness of the tongue, eyes and face
• Inflammation of the liver or hepatitis
• Multiple organ failure
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

These symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever, it damages the internal organs and circulatory system. This condition is life-threatening for the patient. About half of patients with the third stage of yellow fever do not survive.

But those who survive will need lifelong medical care, because some of the organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver, can be seriously damaged. Patients with kidney damage may require lifelong hemodialysis. If your heart is affected by yellow fever, you will need to take medications or other treatments on a regular basis to prevent heart failure or a heart attack. Even when yellow fever recedes, the patient’s life can change dramatically.

Where is yellow fever common?

Yellow fever is more common in Africa and in Central and South America. These areas are endemic for yellow fever. In West Africa and South America, its prevalence is especially high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among those who have not been vaccinated and have been in West Africa for only 2 weeks, 50 out of 100,000 become infected with yellow fever. Among people who spent a two-week vacation in South America, 5 out of 100,000 become infected.

Countries with particularly high prevalence of yellow fever:

• Benin
• Cameroon
• Republic of the Congo
• Ivory Coast
• Burkina Faso
• Ghana
• Gabon
• Guiana
• Central African Republic
• Liberia
• Mali
• Angola
• Niger
• Rwanda
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Togo

In addition to these countries, some sub-Saharan African countries, as well as countries in Central and South America, can be added to this list. Urban dwellers are more susceptible to the virus. In Russia, all cases of yellow fever are imported. In our country, this infection has been known for a long time. Back in 1805, a decree would have been issued with its description and information about the need to protect port cities from this disease. The largest epidemic of yellow fever in Russia was during the construction of the Panama Canal, then 500 thousand people fell ill.

How do you know if you have yellow fever?

The only way to know that you have contracted yellow fever is to visit a doctor. If you have been to a country where the condition is common and then develop a fever or other symptoms, see your doctor right away. The doctor will clarify the symptoms and conduct tests for yellow fever. Tests may also be done to check for damage to the liver or other organs. When the first symptoms appear, it is important to immediately consult a doctor, because without treatment, a fever can lead to irreparable consequences.

Treatment of yellow fever

There is no cure as such, if only symptomatic therapy, and the latter must be timely. If you are affected by this virus, doctors will advise you to be hospitalized so that it is easier to monitor your symptoms and provide assistance depending on the condition.

For example, you may be given medication to reduce fever and muscle pain, and may be given an IV to treat dehydration. If you regularly take anti-inflammatory medications that thin your blood, such as aspirin, you will need to stop taking them. Such medicines increase the risk of internal bleeding in this disease. If your condition worsens due to organ damage, doctors at the hospital can help you.

Yellow fever vaccination

Since there is no cure for this virus, it is important to get a yellow fever vaccination before traveling to a high-risk country. Moreover, to enter some countries, you will need an International Vaccination Certificate with a yellow fever vaccination record.

As with any vaccine, the yellow fever vaccine has side effects. This vaccine is live, so it carries more risks than inactivated vaccines. Some patients develop cold-like symptoms, while others may develop severe allergic reactions. Sometimes the vaccine develops reactions that threaten the life of the patient. If your condition changes after vaccination, contact your doctor immediately.

Remember that no vaccine is 100% effective. Some vaccinated people can still contract yellow fever.

As a general rule, doctors recommend that all travelers older than 9 months who go to countries where yellow fever is endemic must be vaccinated. However, to avoid serious side effects, you should consult your doctor before vaccination if:

• You have immune system problems due to HIV or another condition
• You are undergoing treatment for cancer or any other treatment that is difficult for the body
• You have cancer or are in remission
• Have problems with your thymus
• You are 65 or older
• You need to vaccinate a child under 9 months old
• You have had an allergic reaction to the yellow fever vaccine or any other vaccinations
• You are allergic to gelatin, chicken or eggs
• You are pregnant or about to become pregnant
• You are breastfeeding

If your doctor thinks that you should not be vaccinated against yellow fever because the risk of serious side effects is too high, it is better to reconsider your plans. If you still need to travel to a country with a high risk of contracting this virus, you may need a contraindication entry on your international vaccination certificate, and some countries may simply not let you in.

How long does a yellow fever vaccine last?

The vaccine becomes active after about 10 days, and most doctors recommend vaccination at least 10 days before travel. Some doctors advise getting vaccinated at least a month in advance so that all possible side effects from the vaccine go away. Additional recovery time may be needed even if you only have cold-like symptoms after vaccination. It is better to stay at home and recover, otherwise all the pleasure of traveling may come to naught.

The yellow fever vaccine lasts 10 years, so no matter how often you travel to countries where this disease is common, you will need to be vaccinated every 10 years. If you want to know more about the risk of infection and the side effects of vaccination, it’s best to talk to your doctor.

Prevention of yellow fever

How to avoid contracting yellow fever while traveling? The best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. The following tips will help protect you:

• Use repellents. The most effective are those that contain DEET, IR3535, picaridin, lemon and eucalyptus oil. Always check the expiration date and follow the directions carefully.
• Apply repellant to clothes, tent, mosquito nets on hotel windows, and any other mosquito nets.
• Be sure to use mosquito nets on the windows of the place where you are going to live. Check nets regularly for damage.
• Spray all mosquito nets with repellent at night. This will further protect you.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants. Cover your skin as much as possible so mosquitoes don’t have a chance to bite. It is better to choose clothes in light shades. Mosquitoes perceive light colors worse, in addition, such clothes will protect you from overheating.
• At dawn and dusk, avoid walking in areas with a high number of mosquitoes. It is at this time of day that these insects are most active.

It is almost impossible to avoid all mosquito bites, write down all your trips in a special journal and register all insect bites that you notice on yourself. If you develop any unusual symptoms, these notes will help doctors make a proper diagnosis.

Long-term solutions to mosquitoes

Most people get yellow fever through mosquito bites. If you reduce the number of mosquitoes around you, you will significantly reduce the risk of bites and infection. Despite the fact that there are no natural foci of yellow fever in Russia, travelers often return from endemic areas infected with this virus or other diseases. Native mosquitoes can carry diseases from these travelers to healthy people.

In addition to yellow fever, the yellow fever mosquito can also transmit dengue and chikungunya. If there are mosquitoes on your property, you are at risk of getting infected. Yellow fever prevention should start with reducing the mosquito population in your yard.

The best method of protection is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around you. If you want to reduce the risk of biting and contracting diseases, there are several steps you can take to reduce your mosquito population.

The very first and easiest step is to reduce the number of mosquito breeding areas. These insects like to lay their eggs in damp and warm places. For the appearance of thousands of eggs and larvae, a lake, a pond and any (even minimal) amount of standing water is enough. Such places, as well as shady areas, can be eliminated on your site. Particular attention should be paid to:

• standing water tire
• Bird drinkers
• Ditches and ditches
• Still water in flower pots and other containers
• Rain barrels
• Long grass

In some cases it may not be possible to dispose of standing water. For example, you may not be able to remove a swimming pool from a neighbor’s lot or drain a swamp in the neighborhood. In this case, mosquito traps can help.

Traps serve to reduce the mosquito population (especially when the site is surrounded by a high impenetrable fence), they catch the females. It is the females who drink blood, they need it for laying eggs. After a few weeks of operation of the trap, a decrease in the number of mosquitoes will be noticeable. The World Health Organization notes that the most effective prevention of yellow fever is mosquito control.

Use Mosquito Magnet traps to reduce mosquitoes

You do not need any complex systems to reduce the number of bloodsuckers near your home. Mosquito Magnet traps emit heated and humidified carbon dioxide along with an additional attractant. When mosquitoes approach the trap, they are sucked in, where they dry out and die. It is a safe alternative to chemical sprays.

If you combine Mosquito Magnet traps with repellents and standing water killer, then the number of mosquitoes in your yard will be critically reduced (especially if your yard is surrounded by a high enough fence). Isn’t it great to enjoy a summer vacation without mosquito bites? Not only will you protect yourself from those nasty itchy blisters, but you won’t catch vector-borne diseases either.

Protect
your family, pets and guests from mosquito-borne diseases
trap Mosquito Magnet – long,
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About yellow fever vaccination for travelers to endemic countries where there is a risk of contracting yellow fever (hereinafter referred to as YF).0003

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between January 2016 and December 2017, 7 countries and territories in the Americas reported confirmed cases of YF: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru and Suriname.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of mosquitoes of the genus Ae d e s and the genus Naeto g about gus . The disease exists in two epidemiological forms: jungle fever (transmitted by mosquitoes from infected monkeys) and urban fever (transmitted by mosquitoes from person to person). The latter causes most outbreaks and epidemics. Monkeys are the natural reservoir of YF, and the incubation period for YF is six days.

Prophylactic vaccination against YF in persons traveling to endemic countries for this infection is the only and most reliable means of preventing the disease.

Yellow fever vaccines provide protection against infection 10 days after vaccination and sustained lifelong immunity after a single YF vaccination as outlined in IHR (2005) Annex 7, updated effective 11 July 2016. Vaccinations are subject to adults and children from 9 months of age.

In accordance with the requirements of the IHR (2005), vaccinated persons receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. Vaccination certificates are only valid if the vaccine used is approved by WHO.

Vaccination certificates must be completed in full in English or French, in addition – in Russian. The certificate must bear the stamp of the institution where the procedure was carried out. Vaccination certificates are considered an individual document.

In cases where there is a contraindication to vaccination, the clinician should state the reason for the medical disqualification in English or French.

Travelers without a YF vaccination certificate, entering countries where YF vectors are present, traveling from countries at risk of YF transmission, may be subject to quarantine for an incubation period (six days), medical screening or other preventive measures up to and including denial of entry into the country in accordance with Article 31 of the IHR (2005).

Crew members of vehicles crossing the border and persons working at checkpoints in areas where the risk of YF transmission has been determined by WHO must hold a valid YF vaccination certificate.

Need to know about vaccinations for transit passengers who stay at the airport for more than 12 hours, where there is a risk of YF transmission. A number of countries require a certificate of YF vaccination for passengers who have transited through an airport located in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, regardless of the transit time.