Traveler's Warning: Yellow Fever Outbreak in Brazil

The CDC has released an alert for yellow fever in Brazil. As of June 11th, there have been 45 confirmed cases of yellow fever this year in this South American country, including 25 deaths. Among the most recent cases, two human yellow fever cases have been reported in the State of São Paulo near the ecologic reserve of Jataí, specifically in the rural areas of Luiz Antônio and São Carlos. Additionally, there have been two cases of human yellow fever reported from rural areas in central west Parana State (in the rural area of Laranjal).

The Brazilian Minister of Health has also issued an alert stating that travelers to "areas of risk" for yellow fever should be vaccinated 10 days before going to such areas. In addition to areas previously identified in CDC's guidance to travelers, the Brazilian MOH has identified two additional states with yellow fever risk: the northern part of Espiritu Santo and the western part of Santa Catarina. Travelers are strongly advised to follow the CDC yellow fever vaccination recommendations for Brazil, with the addition of the northern part of Espiritu Santo state and the western part of Santa Catarina state. The Federal District of Brasilia is also an endemic area. Rural areas of Luiz Antônio and São Carlos in São Paulo State, as well as areas in central west Parana State should be considered possible risk areas for yellow fever.

Brazil currently does not require yellow fever vaccination for persons entering Brazil. The new yellow fever vaccination recommendation by Brazil for travelers is to protect the travelers' health in response to this recent situation. The Brazilian MOH has recommended vaccination of travelers >6 months of age. Because of increased risk of severe adverse events following vaccination among infants <9 months of age and among travelers >60 years of age, CDC recommends that parents of infants <9 months and travelers >60 years should discuss with their physicians the risks and benefits of vaccination for travel to Brazil.

Since yellow fever is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, travelers are also reminded to use insect repellent (30-50% DEET or 15% picaridin for adults), and to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. You can also spray your clothes with repellent for added protection.