Yellow Fever in the Amazon
Updated: Oct 26
Brazil has seen several outbreaks of yellow fever in recent years. In 2016, the country saw an unprecedented spread of the disease with more than 1,500 confirmed cases and over 400 deaths. The outbreak was largely due to a combination of increasing deforestation, human encroachment on wild areas, and climate change.
The mosquitoes carrying the yellow fever virus are most likely to be found in the Amazon rainforest, and due to deforestation, they have been able to spread beyond the forest and further into Brazil's cities. This has put more people at risk of yellow fever and can lead to much larger outbreaks.
In addition to human activities, climate change is also playing a role in spreading yellow fever in Brazil. Warmer temperatures can increase mosquito biting rates, leading to more yellow fever cases. Combined with increasing deforestation, this has made it much easier for yellow fever to spread across Brazil.
Brazil is taking action against yellow fever by launching an immunization campaign and introducing new policies aimed at preventing further deforestation. However, deforestation levels remain high and without significant changes in policy or wider public awareness, yellow fever is likely to remain a problem in Brazil for years to come.
It’s important that everyone understands the dangers of yellow fever and how it can be prevented. Public education campaigns should focus on the signs and symptoms of yellow fever, as well as best practices for avoiding mosquito bites. Vaccination is also an effective way of preventing yellow fever, especially in areas where outbreaks are more common such as along the Amazon basin.
By taking necessary precautions against yellow fever, you can help protect yourself and your community from this dangerous disease. By being aware of yellow fever and taking preventative measures, we can all play a role in containing its spread in Brazil and beyond.
It is important to stay informed about yellow fever and the risks it poses. Taking proactive steps such as avoiding mosquito bites and getting vaccinated can help protect you from yellow fever. The United States has the YF-VAX vaccine available for travelers to Brazil and other countries where yellow fever is endemic.
Using insect repellants containing DEET can help to protect against yellow fever. DEET is a widely available insect repellant that helps to ward off mosquitoes and other insects that may carry yellow fever and other diseases. When using DEET, it's important to follow the product instructions carefully as concentrations of more than 30% are not recommended for use on children or pregnant women, and high concentrations may cause skin irritation or chemical burns.
It's also important to take additional precautions such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, keeping doors and windows closed or screened, and wearing shoes outdoors when possible. By taking these steps in addition to using insect repellants containing DEET, you can greatly reduce your risk of contracting yellow fever while traveling in Brazil or any other country where yellow fever is present.
Make an appointment at one of Away Clinic's Arizona locations to get the yellow fever vaccine. The yellow card you receive with vaccination is valid for the rest of your life and can be used to enter numerous countries requiring proof of vaccination to enter.
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