Is yellow fever safe in travellers?

Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by infected mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America. Some infected people have a mild illness, while others develop fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or weakness followed by serious liver or bleeding problems. There is no simple way to judge the eventual severity at the start.

Risk depends on your destination, season, activities, length of stay, and accommodation. Entry requirements may also apply for some routes. A travel-health clinician can check the current destination advice and your personal suitability for vaccination.

Arrange travel-health advice well before departure, especially if you have immune problems, are pregnant, have a severe allergy history, or take medicines that affect immunity. Ask whether vaccination is recommended or required for your itinerary and obtain any needed certificate through an authorised service.

Prevent mosquito bites by using repellent as directed, wearing covering clothing, and choosing screened or air-conditioned accommodation where possible. Use nets when appropriate and continue precautions during daylight as well as at night.

Seek urgent medical care during travel or after returning if you develop fever with jaundice, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual bleeding, severe weakness, or worsening illness after possible mosquito exposure. Tell the clinician where you travelled and when symptoms began.

Ask whether your itinerary carries yellow fever risk, whether vaccination is suitable for you, what certificate or entry documentation may be needed, and which mosquito precautions fit your activities. Ask what symptoms should trigger urgent assessment after travel.