What to know about yellow fever when travelling

Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by infected mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America. Early illness can include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, or vomiting. Some people become much more unwell, with jaundice, bleeding, confusion, or organ problems. Symptoms can appear after returning home, so tell a clinician about recent travel and mosquito exposure. Yellow fever is different from ordinary travel fatigue or a simple stomach upset.

Check the current health requirements and advice for every destination, including transit points, with a travel-health clinician. Discuss vaccination early, especially if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, allergic to vaccine ingredients, or travelling with a young child. Wear long sleeves and trousers when practical, use an appropriate insect repellent, and sleep behind screens or under a mosquito net where needed. Keep your vaccination record with your travel documents and continue bite prevention throughout the trip.

Seek medical care promptly for fever during travel or after returning from an area where yellow fever occurs. Go urgently for yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding, severe vomiting, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, or worsening weakness. Mention the countries visited, travel dates, vaccination history, and any medicines you took. Avoid donating blood or delaying assessment until symptoms become severe.

Ask whether your itinerary carries yellow fever risk, whether vaccination is suitable for you, how to document it, and which mosquito precautions match the climate and accommodation.