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Yellow Fever in Brazil (Update 8)

18 Jul 2017

The Panamerican Health Organisation reports that from December 2016 to 31 May 2017, there were 3,240 suspected cases of yellow fever (792 confirmed, 1,929 discarded and 519 under investigation), including 435 deaths (274 confirmed, 124 discarded and 37 under investigation). Case fatality rate among confirmed cases is 35%.

Suspected cases were spread across 407 municipalities, while confirmed cases were seen in 130 municipalities in the states of Espírito Santo, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Pará, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Tocantins and the Federal District.

Deaths have occurred in Minas Gerais (165), Espírito Santo (85), São Paulo (10), Rio de Janeiro (7) Pará (4), the Federal District (1), Goiás (1), Matto Grosso (1). Case fatality rate is highest in the sates with more than 5 confirmed deaths.

Advice to travellers

  • A traveller's risk of yellow fever is determined by their general risk assessment e.g. country visited, length of stay, city or rural, activities etc.
  • Mosquito bite avoidance rules should be adhered to - the mosquito that spreads yellow fever bites predominantly during the day.
  • Yellow fever vaccine should be considered for travellers at risk.

For further information see Yellow Fever.