Countries at risk of yellow fever

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquito bites. First identified in the 17th century, it has caused serious epidemics in different parts of the world over the years and is still a serious health problem for the entire planet. It is estimated that each year there are between 84,000 and 170,000 new cases and between 29,000 and 60,000 deaths.

Disease outbreak

In the various stages of the disease, various symptoms occur. The most characteristic one is the yeast, the yellowish discoloration of skin, sclera and other tissues, which is accompanied by persistent high fever, pain and bleeding in different parts of the body. In extreme cases it can lead to death.

Transmission occurs through three species of mosquitoes, Aedes albopictus (the one we commonly call the tiger mosquito, found in several temperate zones including Europe), Aedes aegypti (which is the main vector, widespread in tropical regions of the planet) and Haemagogus (found in Latin America).

The mosquito contracts the virus by biting animals (birds, monkeys) or sick people, ingesting the virus along with blood. The mosquito thus remains infected for life by transmitting the virus to its eggs and to humans through new bites.

There are no specific therapies for this disease: treatments focus on supportive therapies to relieve symptoms while waiting for the condition to resolve spontaneously. The best way to prevent infection is to take a vaccine for yellow fever: it is an extremely effective vaccine.

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Yellow fever risk countries

The World Health Organization updates the list of countries, territories and regions ( concentrated in the tropical areas of Africa, Central and South America) where the yellow fever is endemic.

To date, there are 42 countries-29 in Africa and 13 in Central and South America-that are endemic or have endemic regions for yellow fever.

AFRICA

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

Yellow fever for travelers

Yellow fever vaccination must be done by travelers going to one of these risk countries.

By visiting these territories, it is possible to become infected and unknowingly carry the virus with you, introducing it to countries where the disease is not present or has been eradicated.

To prevent this from happening, many countries have made yellow fever vaccination mandatory before issuing an entry visa, especially if you are from or have visited areas endemic for the disease.

It is important to pay attention to all stages of one's journey, because authorities in the destination country may, in some cases, deny entry even to those who have simply made a stopover at airports in one of these at-risk countries.

Depending on the nations, specific entry conditions may vary.

Generally, the vaccine requirement applies to all persons over 9 months of age (minimum age for vaccine administration) or, in some cases, over 1 year of age, who have visited the country, had a stopover at one of its airports (regardless of length of stay), or who have spent more than a specified number of hours at the airport of the at-risk country.

If travel is essential but the vaccination cannot be carried out due to its contraindications (the vaccine is not recommended for those under six months of age, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised, while a specialist's assessment is required for patients over 60 years of age), a certificate can be obtained from a licensed vaccination provider showing that the vaccination requirement cannot be met.

Considering the dangerous nature of the disease, it becomes essential in these cases to exercise the utmost caution, applying all the tips to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

Here are a few simple steps that help reduce the risk of being stung:

• Use an effective mosquito repellent
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends repellents with the following active ingredients: DEET (>25%); Picaridin; IR3535; Eucalyptus Lemon Oil (OLE); Para-menthane-diol; 2- undecanone;
.
• Cover up
  Use clothes that cover legs and arms, preferably light-colored;
• Check your surroundings
  Stagnant water is a perfect habitat for mosquitoes to breed. Make sure there is no stagnant water in: discarded tires or industrial containers, swimming pools, storm drains and saucers. To reduce the risk of transmission, systematic control (through pest control campaigns) against the Aedes population turns out to be a key intervention;
• Stay in rooms with mosquito nets and sleep in beds equipped with mosquito nets;
• Read our in-depth Don't get stung!

Sources:

Epicenter