What should you know about Machu Picchu and yellow fever?

Yellow fever is caused by a virus spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. A travel itinerary can include areas with different health recommendations, so the advice for a city, a route and a surrounding region may not be identical. Machu Picchu is in a high-altitude setting, but altitude does not remove the need to review mosquito-borne infection guidance for the wider journey.

Some infections cause fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea or weakness. Illness after travel can have several causes, and symptoms alone cannot identify yellow fever. A clinician can consider your route, timing, vaccination history and examination findings.

Arrange a pre-travel health review early enough to discuss the full itinerary, stopovers and planned activities. Ask whether yellow fever vaccination is advised or required for your route, and take your vaccination record if you have one. Follow the clinician's advice about other travel vaccines and routine medicines.

Reduce mosquito exposure by using an appropriate repellent, wearing clothing that covers skin, and choosing screened or air-conditioned accommodation when practical. Pack repellent and any prescribed medicines with your travel documents. If you develop a fever during travel or after returning, mention every country and area visited.

Seek urgent medical advice for fever after travel to a region where yellow fever may occur, especially when it is accompanied by vomiting, severe weakness, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding, confusion or worsening abdominal pain. Do not wait for a rash or for symptoms to become severe.

Tell the service that you have recently travelled and give the dates and locations. Avoid taking leftover antibiotics or assuming that a fever is caused by altitude, heat or a routine infection. A travel history helps clinicians choose appropriate assessment and precautions.

Ask: Is yellow fever vaccination appropriate for my exact itinerary? Do I need documentation for any border crossing or stopover? Which mosquito precautions suit my health needs? What symptoms should prompt urgent care while I am away?