Yellow fever locations: what to know

Yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America where the virus is present. Risk can differ between urban settings, forested areas and other locations within the same country. A destination’s border rules may also differ from its health advice: a vaccination certificate can be requested because of a traveller’s previous or transit locations. A broad country list is therefore less useful than a careful review of every stop on your route.

Before booking your appointment, write down countries, cities, rural excursions, cruise or flight connections, and the dates you expect to be in each place. Share changes to the journey with the travel-health service, since an added transit stop can affect certificate advice. Discuss mosquito precautions as well as vaccination: clothing that covers exposed skin, suitable repellent, and accommodation measures can reduce bites during travel.

Fever after travel needs medical assessment, especially if you also have severe headache, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding, extreme weakness, or confusion. Do not wait for symptoms to settle if they are severe or worsening. Tell the clinician all places visited, including brief transit stops, and when symptoms began. This travel history can guide testing and treatment decisions.

Ask whether any part of your itinerary changes vaccine advice, whether entry paperwork applies after transit, and how your health conditions affect the decision. If you will spend time outdoors, ask for personalised advice on preventing mosquito bites.