Yellow fever
Yellow fever is a virus that can cause a flu-like illness. It can develop into a more serious illness which has a high fatality rate. Large outbreaks can occur - International Health Regulations are in place to help prevent the disease spreading. It is rare in travellers – the last case in the UK was reported in 1930.- Symptoms Fever, headache, tiredness, low back pain, nausea and vomiting. Severe infection causes yellowing of the skin, bleeding and organ failure.
- How do you catch yellow fever? Yellow fever is spread by an infected daytime-biting mosquito.
- Incubation period 3 - 6 days.
- Diagnosis Diagnosis is by a blood test.
Prevention
Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with loose-fitting clothing and using an effective insect repellent. A single yellow fever vaccine can give lifetime protection for those over 9 months of age who are travelling to a high risk area. It is only available from registered yellow fever centres, such as MASTA, after a careful assessment by a travel nurse, as serious reactions to the vaccine have occurred – although these are rare.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Symptoms are treated as required, with hospital care if necessary. People who recover from the virus have immunity for life.
Vaccination options
Live vaccine, not suitable for everyone (please discuss with a travel nurse). Sometimes has flu-like side effects and in rare cases more serious side effects.
Level of protection: ~ 95-100%
Protection duration: Lifetime
How is it given: Single injection which can be only given in registered yellow fever centres
Ideally start: At least 10 days before travel. International Certificate of Vaccination becomes valid 10 days after administration and is valid for life.
£70.00 Pricing shown is per dose
Did you know?
- Following changes to international regulations in July 2016, the yellow fever certificate is now valid for life for most travellers
- Yellow fever is only found in Africa and parts of Central and South America, not in Asia
- The yellow fever vaccine is not suitable for everyone, depending on age and medical history. There may be instances where more than one appointment is required to assess whether a vaccine can be offered.