Yellow Fever and Mosquito Bites

The virus is carried between people or monkeys and certain mosquitoes. It is not passed directly from one person to another through ordinary contact. Risk depends on where you travelled, whether yellow fever is present there, and whether an infected mosquito bit you. A bite may cause a small local skin reaction without causing an infection.

Make a note of your travel locations and the dates you were there. Use repellent, wear clothing that covers exposed skin, and reduce mosquito exposure, especially during travel in affected regions. If you are planning travel, discuss eligibility and timing for yellow fever vaccination with a clinician or travel-health service.

Seek prompt medical assessment if you develop fever, severe headache, marked weakness, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding, or confusion after travel in a region with yellow fever. Tell the clinician about your itinerary, mosquito bites, vaccines, medicines, and the date symptoms began. Severe symptoms need urgent care.

Ask whether your destination has yellow fever transmission or entry requirements, whether vaccination is suitable for you, and which mosquito precautions fit your plans. If you are unwell, ask what tests or monitoring are appropriate for your symptoms and travel history.