Vacination Reminder for Travel to South America: Ensure Essential Shots Ahead of Journey
Travelers visiting Central and South America, as well as Equatorial Africa, are cautioned of the ongoing threat of yellow fever. The Mosquito-borne disease is most prevalent in nations like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Congo, Uganda, and others across Africa, with a total of 42 endemic countries. In the Americas, cases have been reported in Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, French Guiana, and Peru over the past five years, affecting 13 countries.
Some destinations also impose vaccination requirements for tourists, denying entry to those without proof of vaccination. The Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) advises travelers to get vaccinated as it is the most effective preventive measure. Vaccination offers lifelong protection against the disease, with effects kicking in ten days post-vaccination.
Travelers are also encouraged to consider their wardrobe choices, opting for covered clothing, and using mosquito-repelling sprays. Homeowners can safeguard their living spaces by installing window screens and reducing the chances of mosquitoes entering by keeping doors closed.
According to recent reports, Brazil has experienced 110 cases and 44 deaths primarily in São Paulo, Colombia counted 60 cases and 24 deaths, mainly in the Tolima department, Peru reported 35 cases and 12 deaths, Ecuador confirmed 4 fatal cases, and Bolivia recorded 3 cases and 1 death.
For tourists visiting African countries at risk for yellow fever, vaccination and proof thereof are usually mandatory upon entry. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommends maintaining high vaccination coverage in endemic regions, and Yellow Fever vaccinations are available in the United States at travel clinics and pharmacies.
- To ensure safety while traveling in Central and South America or Equatorial Africa, it is advisable to consider Yellow Fever vaccination, as it offers lifelong protection against the disease, with effects starting ten days post-vaccination.
- In addition to vaccination, travelers are encouraged to consider their wardrobe choices, such as opting for covered clothing, and using mosquito-repelling sprays, to minimize the risk of contracting the disease.
- As the Yellow Fever vaccination is a mandatory requirement for tourists visiting African countries at risk for the disease, it's essential to check the travel advisories for the specific destination and obtain the vaccination from travel clinics or pharmacies in the United States before departure.
