Yellow fever still a concern in parts of Brazil

The risk of yellow fever in rural regions of Brazil remains high this summer and as such, the Public Health Agency of Canada recently issued a warning aimed at advising those traveling to this South American country about the potential danger signs. The best form of protection against yellow fever is to simply get vaccinated before a trip. It is always advisable to determine what vaccinations may be required or recommended to non-western countries, or to ask one’s family doctor about the possibility of booster shots.

More than 25 people are believed to have died so far this year from yellow fever in Brazil, according to official statistics provided by Brazilian health officials. Since a total of 45 people were diagnosed with this illness, it would appear as though this turned out to be fatal in a majority of cases. Particularly concerning might be the fact that Brazil’s Health Ministry now believes that yellow fever may pose a risk throughout much of the country, and even in Brasilia, the national capital. In general, yellow fever can be brought on by mosquito bites. As such, it is always best to take precautions and limit one’s exposure to places where the number of mosquito is high. There are no truly effective treatments for yellow fever, and as such the best approach is always a preventative one.

Thank you to the Canadian Press (CP) for the initial report.