Yellow Fever in Brazil (Update 12)

Brazil has reported 34 confirmed yellow fever cases from 1 September 2017 to 14 January 2018. These cases were reported in the states of São Paulo (20 cases, 11 deaths), Minas Gerais (11 cases, 7 deaths), Rio de Janeiro (2 cases, 1 death) and in the Federal District (1 fatal case).

On 17 January 2018, the state of Minas Gerais reported an additional 11 cases. From December 2017 to 17 January 2018, Minas Gerais reported 22 cases. A further 46 cases are under investigation.

The probable sites of infection of all the confirmed human cases are areas with documented cases in monkeys.

Recent expansion of yellow fever into the municipality of Sao Paulo and the municipalities of Greater São Paulo (Cajamar, Caieiras, Mairipora, Franco da Rocha, Guarulhos, and Itapecerica da Serra), indicate high risk for non-immunized populations. The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers all of São Paulo State as being at risk of yellow fever transmission.

Advice to travellers

• There is a risk of yellow fever in Brazil, including 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.