Yellow fever in South America

The Pan American Health Organization reported continued transmission of yellow fever in 2024. The affected countries were:

Bolivia: 8 cases (4 deaths)

Brazil: 8 cases (4 deaths)

Colombia: 23 cases: (13 deaths)

Guyana: 3 cases

Peru: 9 cases (9 deaths)

In the first four weeks of 2025, yellow fever has been reported from:

Brazil: 8 cases (4 deaths)

Colombia: 8 cases (2 deaths)

Peru: 1 case (died)

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.

• Vaccination is advised for all travellers aged 9 months or over going to yellow fever high-risk or endemic areas unless contraindicated.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for entry to some countries.

Detailed guidance can be found on individual country pages and the TRAVAX yellow fever disease page.