Yellow fever is a potentially deadly viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It's endemic in several tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa and South America. But which countries have endemic yellow fever?
What is Yellow Fever and How can it be contracted?
Yellow fever is a viral disease caused by the yellow fever virus, which belongs to the Flavivirus genus. It's primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito, most commonly Aedes aegypti.
According to CDC, Yellow fever circulates in three main ways: through the (1) sylvatic (jungle) cycle, where the virus circulates between non-human primates and forest mosquitoes, occasionally infecting humans who enter these areas; (2) intermediate (savannah) cycle, involves transmission between mosquitoes and humans living near jungles, creating small-scale epidemics; and the (3) urban cycle where infected mosquitoes transmit the virus directly between humans.
The disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild fever to severe liver damage and bleeding. In some cases, it can be fatal.
Which are the Yellow Fever endemic countries?
Yellow fever is endemic in 34 countries in Africa and 13 countries in Central and South America. These countries share tropical or subtropical climates with high humidity and rainfall, which provide ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and virus transmission.
In Africa, the included countries are:
Angola
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Congo
Côte d'Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Kenya
Liberia
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sudan
Togo
Uganda.
In South America, the included countries are:
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Ecuador,
French Guiana
Guyana
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago
Venezuela.
Countries that mandate Yellow Fever vaccine
Many countries have implemented stringent requirements, mandating yellow fever vaccination for all travelers older than 9 months or 1 year.
These countries have implemented strict measures due to their status as Yellow Fever Endemic Countries or their proximity to high-risk areas:
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Congo
Côte d'Ivoire
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Gabon
Guinea-Bissau
Kenya
Liberia
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Niger
Togo
However, requirements can change, so it's essential to check the most up-to-date information before traveling.
Is there Yellow Fever in Asia?
Currently, there are no known cases of yellow fever in Asia. The disease is primarily confined to Africa and South America.
However, the potential for yellow fever to spread to Asia exists, given the presence of suitable mosquito vectors and climate conditions in many Asian countries.
Get Your Yellow Fever Vaccine at Away Clinic
If you're planning to travel to Yellow Fever endemic countries or regions where the vaccine is mandatory, it's crucial to get vaccinated as most of these countries need proof of vaccination.
Away Clinic in Arizona, USA offers yellow fever vaccination services to protect travelers. The vaccine is highly effective, providing lifelong immunity for most people.
Remember to get vaccinated at least 10 days before your trip for full protection. Contact us!
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