Yellow Fever Reported in Colombia, Peru and Guyana

Through mid-March 2024, active transmission of yellow fever in humans has been reported in Colombia (3 fatal cases), Peru (2 cases with 1 death) and Guyana (2 cases). In Colombia, yellow fever transmission occurred in the departments of Putumayo, Bolivar and Sucre. In Peru, transmission occurred in San Martin and Madre de Dios. In Guiana, transmission occurred in Siparuni.

Advice

In areas where the yellow fever virus is active, the risk for an unvaccinated traveller may be high. For the vaccinated traveller, the risk is essentially zero.

Travellers to areas where there is a risk of exposure to yellow fever can reduce that risk by obtaining a yellow fever vaccination 10 days before travelling. In addition, travellers should take all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Travellers are reminded that many other countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival for all travellers equal to or greater than 9-12 months of age arriving from a country where there is a risk of yellow fever.