Yellow Fever in Brazil (Sao Paulo State) (Update 9)

On 24 November 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported 2 confirmed cases (including 1 death) of yellow fever in Itatiba, São Paulo State, Brazil from 17 September to 7 October 2017. Six other cases from São Paulo State are under investigation. These are the first cases of yellow fever reported in Brazil since June this year.

The situation in São Paulo State gives cause for concern as there have been 120 confirmed cases of yellow fever in monkeys in the state since July this year. A further 233 cases in moneys are under investigation. The largest number of monkey cases has been reported from municipalities of Campo Limpo Paulista, Atibaia and Jarinu, all in the area of Campinas.

Yellow fever in monkeys has also been reported from São Paulo City, where about 10 million people are not vaccinated against yellow fever.

Advice to travellers

• There is a risk of yellow fever in Brazil, including in São Paulo City.
• Yellow fever risk areas in Brazil are shown here.  
• A traveller's risk of yellow fever is determined by their general risk assessment e.g. country visited, length of stay, city or rural, activities etc.
• Mosquito bite avoidance rules should be adhered to at all times - the mosquito that spreads yellow fever bites predominantly during the day.
• Yellow fever vaccine should be considered for travellers to areas at risk of yellow fever (including São Paulo City) unless contraindicated.

For further information see Yellow Fever.