Public health authorities in Brazil suspect that an outbreak of yellow fever centered in Minas Gerais has resulted in 550 suspected cases and 72 confirmed cases, along with 40 confirmed deaths. Three of the deaths were reported in the neighboring state of São Paulo, but were contracted in the endemic area, according to reports.
The yellow fever is primarily transmitted through contact with infected mosquitoes. According to various health organizations, the best way to prevent yellow fever is through vaccination. Therefore, the Government of Brazil and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend yellow fever vaccination for travelers to affected areas.
Affected areas include: all areas of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Federal District (including the capital Brasília), Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, and Tocantins.
Vaccination is also recommended for designated areas in the following states: Bahia, Paraná, Piauí, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo.
Immigration authorities in several countries are requiring travelers from Brazil to present proof of having received the yellow fever vaccine. If you are planning an international trip, check in advance if such a requirement exists and plan accordingly.
A locally produced vaccine is on the World Health Organization’s pre-approval list and is available at public vaccination clinics in Brazil.
A private travel medicine and vaccination service provider in the United States, Passport Health, with over 250 locations in North America, also has the yellow fever vaccine in stock and ready for travelers.
You can see a complete list of countries where the vaccine is recommended or required for travel, as well as learn more about the virus at https://www.passporthealthusa.com/vaccinations/yellow-fever/
More information about the yellow fever virus can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov).