Health Professionals

Clinical Updates

7 February 2011

Yellow fever outbreak in Uganda and certificate requirements for travellers to risk areas

The previously reported yellow fever outbreak in Uganda is continuing. As of 19 January 2011, 226 cases compatible with a clinical definition of yellow fever (YF), including 53 deaths, have been reported in 12 districts in northern Uganda. Five cases have been laboratory confirmed as YF by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [1].

The Ugandan Ministry of Health with international partners is strengthening surveillance for yellow fever-compatible illness, implementing control measures, and initiating a mass vaccination campaign.

Advice for travellers and certificate requirements

YF vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Uganda for their personal protection.  

Countries vulnerable to importation of YF can enforce strict YF vaccination requirements under International Health Regulations (2005) and such requirements may change in response to an outbreak situation. On 3 February 2011, Zanzibar clarified its YF vaccination requirement for travellers to the island: a certificate is required from travellers arriving from YF endemic countries, which has not changed from Zanzibar’s previous requirement [2].

Information on the risk of YF and certificate requirements can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages.

 

References

1. World Health Organization. Yellow fever in Uganda. 19 January 2011. [Accessed 7 February 2011]. Available at: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2011_01_19/en/index.html

2. Ministry of Health Zanzibar. Letter to Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, re: Yellow fever. 3 February 2011. Available at: http://www.nathnac.org/pro/clinical_updates/images/Zanzibar

YFLetter.jpg  

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