Yellow Fever in Democratic Republic of Congo
17 Jun 2013
On 6 June 2013, six laboratory confirmed cases of yellow fever were reported by the Ministry of Health for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The cases were reported in 3 health zones: Lubao (4), Kamana (1) and Ludimbi-Lukula (1). They were identified through the national surveillance programme for yellow fever.
The index case is a 16-year-old male from Kisengua village in the Lubao Health Zone who became ill on 1 March 2013. The outbreak investigation has also identified 51 suspected cases including 19 deaths, in the three health zones. Serum samples have been taken from 13 patients for laboratory confirmation.
An emergency mass vaccination campaign is being launched on 20 June 2013, aiming to cover at least 503 426 people in the affected health zones.
Advice for Travellers
There is a risk of yellow fever in most areas of DRC, except Katanga Province, and vaccination is advised for travellers (unless contraindicated). There is also a certificate requirement for all travellers over 1 year of age.
Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.