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Yellow Fever in South America
June 2, 1999
Health Canada monitors the occurrence of yellow fever in South American
endemic zones. The following summary has been confirmed by the Pan American
Health Organization:
Bolivia:
Sporadic cases of sylvatic (jungle) yellow fever are still occurring in
Bolivia, bringing the total number of confirmed cases for 1999 to 53 cases
with 21 deaths. All of the cases have occurred in rural areas of the eastern
Department of Santa Cruz. A majority of the cases have been in males (75.5%)
and in persons > 15 years of age (76.9%). Public health authorities have conducted
mass yellow fever vaccination campaigns in Cabezas and Postrervalle, the two
most affected municipalities.
Brazil:
For 1999, Brazil has reported a total of 18 cases and 3 deaths due to sylvatic
yellow fever. Fifty percent of the cases have been in persons > 15 years old,
44.4% have been in children ages 1-15 years, and 5.6% (representing one case)
have been in children < 1 year of age. Outbreaks have occurred in Afua and
Breves in the state of Para.
Although a vaccination campaign was carried out in Afua, cases continue
to occur due to the migration of unimmunized people into the area.
Colombia:
Only two cases have been reported in 1999. Both were young men from the
Departments of Caqueta and Meta. No cases have been reported since January.
Peru:
The first confirmed case of sylvatic yellow fever for 1999 was reported
in the Department of Loreto, Amazon region. Public health authorities initiated
a mass yellow fever vaccination campaign. Additional cases have been reported
from San Martin Department, in the districts of Moyobamba, Jepelacio and Alonso
de Alvarado (26 cases), Ayacucho Department in the province of La Mar, district
of Anco y Santa Rosa (12 cases), Huanuco Department (5 cases) and Junin Department
(5 cases). Of these, a total of 13 cases have been confirmed to date.
Although these cases have occurred in rural areas, the extensive spread
of the mosquito vector for yellow fever throughout these and other South American
countries has raised concern for possible outbreaks in urban areas.
Recommendations:
Travellers to countries that are known to have sporadic cases of yellow
fever are advised to consult with a travel medicine clinic to assess their
own personal risk of exposure to yellow fever and their need for yellow fever
vaccination, especially if they expect to travel to rural areas or cities
close to the location of reported cases (see above). Yellow fever vaccine
is highly effective in preventing this potentially lethal disease. In Canada,
yellow fever vaccination can only be provided at designated Yellow Fever centres. Please click here for a listing of designated
Yellow Fever centres across Canada.
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