Travel Smart

Yellow Fever

  • Since the recent outbreak of yellow fever in Brazil in 2018, there may be changes in certificate requirements, which is why it is important to stay up to date with certificate requirements for your destination country.1
  • The risk of yellow fever is low in travellers but areas at risk of transmission are dynamic and may be subject to change.1
  • You may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter some countries - make sure you check well in advance before you travel!1

What is yellow fever?

Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people gradually recover 3–4 days after symptoms begin. Symptoms of yellow fever include:1,2

  • Muscle pain
  • A high temperature
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea (feeling sick)
  • Vomiting

However, in up to a quarter of cases, symptoms can worsen after apparent recovery. In up to half of those, the result can be fatal.1

Click here for more information on yellow fever.

Am I at risk of getting yellow fever?

Your risk of catching yellow fever depends on:1

  • Where you're travelling and how common yellow fever is there
  • The season – late rainy season to early dry season might put you at higher risk
  • How long you are travelling for
  • Whether you are doing activities that bring you close to mosquitoes
  • Whether or not you are immunised against yellow fever

How can I help protect myself against yellow fever?

There are many steps you can take to minimise your risk of yellow fever:1,3

Potect yourself against yellow fever

Find your nearest yellow fever vaccination centre today

If you are in Scotland, click here to locate your nearest yellow fever centre. If you are in the rest of the UK, click here.

At a yellow fever centre, you will be able to speak to a healthcare professional about any questions you have around yellow fever and learn more about what you can do to help protect yourself, including vaccination and mosquito bite avoidance.

References

1. Travel Health Pro. Yellow Fever. Available at: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/18/yellow-fever. Accessed February 2024. 2. Fit For Travel. Yellow fever. Available at: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/yellow-fever.aspx. Accessed February 2024. 3. WHO. Yellow Fever. Key Facts. Available at: http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/yellow-fever. Accessed February 2024.

MAT-XU-2204304(v2.0) | February 2024

For further information please talk to your healthcare professional