Yellow Fever in Chad

14 Feb 2013

The Ministry of Health of Chad is launching an emergency mass-vaccination campaign against yellow fever from 22 February 2013, following laboratory confirmation of two cases in the country in December 2012.

The two cases from Goz Beida and Guereda districts, were laboratory confirmation by a WHO regional reference laboratory. They were identified through the national surveillance programme in response to the outbreak of yellow fever in neighbouring Sudan. The intensive surveillance in Chad also reported 139 suspected cases and 9 deaths.

The vaccination campaign will be conducted in 3 districts bordering Darfur, Sudan; Goz Beida, Guereda and Adré, targeting over a million people, including inhabitants of refugee camps in the area.

Advice for Travellers

There is a risk of yellow fever in areas south of the Sahara Desert and vaccination is advised for travellers to these parts (unless contraindicated). In addition, vaccination might be required for certificate purposes. Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

• Further information on yellow fever.
• Further information on bite avoidance.