Yellow Fever Outbreak - Update

As of June 11, 2008, 45 confirmed cases of yellow fever have been reported, including 25 deaths. Among the most recent cases, two human yellow fever cases have been reported in the State of São Paulo near the ecologic reserve of Jataí, specifically in the rural areas of Luiz Antônio and São Carlos. This area is beyond the southeastern edge of previously identified yellow fever risk areas in São Paulo. Additionally, there have been two cases of human yellow fever reported from rural areas in central west Parana State (in the rural area of Laranjal). Although the map of yellow fever risk areas in Brazil represents the best understanding of current risk, this is an evolving situation, and cases may occur outside the boundaries of the areas indicated in the map. The Brazilian MOH alert states that travellers to “areas of risk” for yellow fever should be vaccinated 10 days before going to such areas. In addition to areas previously identified in CDC’s guidance to travellers, the Brazilian MOH has identified two additional states with yellow fever risk: the northern part of Espiritu Santo and the western part of Santa Catarina. Brazil currently does not require yellow fever vaccination for persons entering Brazil. The new yellow fever vaccination recommendation by Brazil for travellers is to protect the travelers’ health in response to this recent situation