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As of t 18 August the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported as total of 2357 suspected Yellow Fever (YF) cases from 7 of the Democratic Republic of Congos (DRC) 26 Provinces. Only 1956 of the total suspected YF cases have been laboratory tested, 73 of which have been confirmed, with 16 deaths. Of the 73 confirmed cases: 56 acquired infection in Angola, 13 are autochthonous, 3 are cases of sylvatic transmission (not related to the outbreak) and 1 remains under investigation.
On the 17 August 2016 a preventive YF vaccination campaign was launched in DRC. The campaign aims to immunise over 8 million people accross Kinshasa province, and an additional 3 million people on or near the border with Angola.
The vaccination campaign in Kinshasa will use one-fifth of the standard YF vaccine dose, this fractionate dose strategy is only recommended for use in emergency situations where there is limited vaccine availability.
(Via WHO Yellow Fever Situation Report 19 August 2016 - accessed 23/08/16)
Yellow fever infection can easily be prevented by vaccination. Vaccination is advised for all travellers to DRC (unless contraindicated) and proof of vaccination is required for all travellers over 9 months of age entering DRC. The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travelling and DRC considers the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) to be valid for life.
It is essential that travellers also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
