In the News Notice
Update:
Yellow Fever Cases, Venezuela
(Updated: October 21, 2004 and September 17, 2004;
Released July 8, 2004)
According to an October 6, 2004, Pan American Health Organization
(PAHO) report, the Venezuelan Ministry of Health and Social Development
has reported three new cases of yellow fever, including two deaths.
One case has been laboratory confirmed. All three patients acquired
infection in Monagas State, a predominately wooded area located
in northeastern Venezuela. Two cases occurred in Bolivar, and one
case occurred in the Muturín, both municipalities of Monagas
State. Monkey die-offs, most likely from yellow fever infection,
were also reported from the same state earlier this year. In September
2004, two cases of yellow fever —one fatal ― were reported
from Mérida State. In response to the situation, Venezuelan
health authorities have intensified immunizations campaigns that
were already under way.
Yellow fever is a serious mosquito-borne disease that can be fatal.
It occurs only in sub-Saharan
Africa (see map) and certain areas of tropical
South America (see map). Proof of vaccination is required for
entry into certain countries (see
Vaccination Certificate Requirements for Direct Travel from the
United States to Other Countries). The International Health
Regulations require revaccination at 10-year intervals for travelers
to these areas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
that travelers to yellow fever-endemic areas in Latin America be
immunized against yellow fever at least 10 days before travel.
Some precautions
and contraindications may apply.
For more information about
yellow fever cases in the Americas, see http://www.paho.org.
For more information on yellow fever, see
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/yellowfever.htm.
To locate a certified yellow fever vaccination center, see http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yellowfever/.
For CDC health recommendations for travel to South America, see http://www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm.
For information on 2002 recommendations for yellow fever vaccine
from the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP), see
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