Yellow Fever in Guinea

20 Jul 2016

Guinea has reported 39 suspected cases of Yellow Fever, 2 of which have been confirmed, since the start of this year. The last major yellow fever outbreak in Guinea was in 2005. Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito which mainly bites during daylight hours. It is a very serious disease with a high rate of death in those who become infected.

(Via WHO Yellow Fever Situation Report 15 July 2016 - accessed 20/07/16)

Advice for Travellers

Yellow fever infection can easily be prevented by vaccination. Vaccination is advised for all travellers to Guinea (unless contraindicated) and proof of vaccination is required for all travellers over one year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travelling and the Word Health Organisation has declared that the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) against yellow fever is considered valid for the life.

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

Further information on Yellow Fever disease.