WHO urges travelers to Angola to vaccinate against yellow fever

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday reminded all travelers to receive the yellow fever vaccination if traveling to Angola, as the country is currently experiencing a growing yellow fever outbreak.

Since the outbreak began in December 2015, 1,975 suspected cases of yellow fever (618 confirmed) and 258 deaths have been reported, the majority of them in the capital city of Luanda, and in two other provinces.

Amid concerns the virus would spread to other urban areas and to neighboring countries, a large-scale vaccination campaign was launched in February 2016 and has so far reached almost seven million people.

"Cases of yellow fever linked to this outbreak have been detected in other countries of Africa and Asia. We are particularly concerned that large urban areas are at risk and we strongly urge all travelers to Angola to ensure they are vaccinated against yellow fever and carry a valid certificate," said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan.

Under the WHO's International Health Regulations, all travelers to Angola are required to be vaccinated against yellow fever.

Yellow fever, which is spread by infected mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes mosquito, is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease for which there is currently no treatment. A single dose vaccination, however, provides protection for life and is both safe and affordable. It is effective 10 days after the date of immunization.

WHO does not recommend any restriction of travel and trade to Angola on the basis of information available about the outbreak. Vaccination before going to affected areas as well as measures to avoid mosquito bites are sufficient for the prevention of the disease. Endit