What is yellow fever?

Yellow fever is a serious disease with symptoms of high fever, vomiting, jaundice, and bleeding. It is often fatal and there is no cure. Yellow fever is caused by a virus. It is passed to humans by bites from infected mosquitoes which tend to bite during daylight hours. (This is different to the mosquitos which carry malaria which tend to bite from dusk to dawn.) Yellow fever occurs in certain countries of Africa and South America.

Who should be immunised against yellow fever?

• Travellers to countries where yellow fever is a risk. Some countries require a certificate of immunisation against yellow fever before they will let you into the country. Yellow fever is the only disease which routinely requires proof of immunisation.
  • In some countries immunisation is compulsory for all incoming visitors.
  • In some countries immunisation is compulsory for those who have travelled from a 'yellow fever' area or country.
  • Your doctor or practice nurse can advise if you should be immunised for your travel destination, and whether you need a certificate of immunisation.
• Workers who handle material that may be infected by the yellow fever virus.