Yellow fever in Bolivia: Santa Cruz

Media quoting Bolivian public health authorities have reported a possible outbreak of yellow fever in Santa Cruz Department.

Since the end of March 2023, there have been two cases of yellow fever in the Purto Suarez area. These are the first cases of yellow fever in Santa Cruz in 19 years.

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is found in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America.

Advice for Travellers

• All travellers should be advised to practice mosquito bite avoidance at all times.

A traveller's risk of yellow fever is determined by their individual risk assessment. Factors that will influence their risk includes:

• country or countries to be visited
• length of stay
• rate of transmission at destination
• immunisation status
• planned activities

Unvaccinated travellers who visit yellow fever endemic areas are at risk of becoming infected.

• Yellow fever vaccine should be considered (unless contraindicated) for travellers at risk.

Detailed guidance can be found on the TRAVAX Bolivia country page and Yellow fever disease page.