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Yellow Fever in Democratic Republic of Congo (Update)

28 Jun 2016

The Yellow Fever (YF) outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is continuing.  Since early 2016 up until 20 June 2016 the total number of notified suspected YF cases is 1106 (68 confirmed cases and 75 deaths). The YF cases have been reported in five of DRCs provinces. Of the 68 confirmed YF cases, 59 were imported from Angola. Vaccination campaigns in DRC have centred on affected zones in Kinshasa and Kongo Central.

Two additional countries have reported confirmed yellow fever cases imported from Angola: Kenya (2 cases) and People’s Republic of China (11 cases). These cases highlight the risk of international spread through non-immunised travellers.

Advice for Travellers

Yellow fever infection can easily be prevented by vaccination. Vaccination is advised for all travellers to DRC (unless contraindicated) and proof of vaccination is required for all travellers over 9 months of age entering DRC. The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travelling and DRC considers the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) to be valid for life.

It is essential that travellers also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.