What you need to know:
According to WHO’s latest report of 2023, atleast 34 countries in Africa and 13 countries in Central and South America are either endemic for, or have regions that are endemic for, yellow fever. This is why it is a potential threat to global health security.
Some of what complicates yellow fever is the fact that many of those who have contracted it do not exhibit any symptoms for the disease and difficult to diagnose, especially during early stages. Also, a more severe case can be confused with malaria, dengue fever, viral hepatitis or other haemorrhagic fevers or even poisoning. That’s why people are encouraged to do differential diagnosis with PCR, Antigen and Antibody tests in the case of malaria-like symptoms or bleeding from any body opening.
It is important to note that Vaccination is the most important means of preventing yellow fever. The vaccine is safe, affordable and a single dose provides life-long protection against Yellow Fever disease.
It is also important for one who intends to travel to a Yellow fever endemic country or zone, to get vaccinated in time, atleast 10 days prior to the flight. This is because the vaccine requires some time, ideally 10-30 days for it to provide effective immunity against the virus.
People who are usually excluded from vaccination are infants under 09 months, people with severe immunodeficiency or thymus disorder and those who are allergic to egg protein. Pregnant women are also not encouraged to get this vaccine except in the case of yellow fever outbreak when the risk of infection is high.
