Yellow Fever in Angola

 

The Ministry of Health in Angola has reported an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in Luanda Province. The outbreak started in December 2015 in Viana Municipality, a surburb of the capital city of Luanda, and has since spread to other municipalities in the province.

What is yellow fever?

Yellow Fever is a disease caused by a virus, which is spread through the daybiting mosquito aedes aegypti. Symptoms take 3-6 days to develop and include fever, chills, headache, backache and muscle aches. About 15 % of people who get yellow fever develop serious illness that can lead to bleeding, shock, organ failure and sometimes death.

How can travelers protect themselves?

Travelers can protect themselves from yellow fever by getting yellow fever vaccine and preventing mosquito bites.

Vaccination is advised for all travelers to Angola (unless contraindicated) and proof of vaccination is required for all travelers over 9 months of age entering Angola. The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before traveling, and Angola considers the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) to be valid for life.

To avoid mosquito bites:

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Stay and sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin. Always use as directed.
  • Use permethrin on clothing. Follow the product instructions carefully.

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