Deaths from Yellow Fever via Brazil
During the first few months of 2018, 19 tourist travellers who recently returned to their home countries from Brazil, developed yellow fever infection. One became ill in transit through the UK and subsequently died in hospital in London.
Most of these travellers had spent time in a part of Brazil first declared an area of expanded risk in January 2018. A further three international travellers were diagnosed and medically managed in Brazil. All these travellers were unvaccinated.
It is essential travellers discuss their itinerary with a travel health professional who will complete a risk assessment and offer the latest real time advice regarding vaccination.
In additional to vaccination there are a range of bite prevention strategies that can be followed which reduce the risk even further. Bite prevention strategies are essential for some diseases for which there is no vaccination such as Zika.
General Insect bite prevention
Mosquitoes, certain types of flies, ticks and bugs can cause many different diseases. e.g. malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever. Some bite at night, but some during daytime so protection is always needed.
Bite Avoidance – For Yellow Fever always follow avoidance.
- Covering up skin as much as possible, especially if going out at night, wear loose fitting clothes, long sleeves, trousers or long skirts.
- Use insect repellents on exposed skin. Picardan 20% or DEET 50% products are the most effective.
- If using sunscreen always apply first, followed by an insect repellent spray on top.
- If room is not air conditioned, but is screened, close shutters early evening and spray room with knockdown insecticide spray.
- Electric insecticide vaporisers are very effective if there are no power failures!
There is no scientific evidence that electric buzzers, savoury yeast extract, tea tree oil, bath oils, garlic and vitamin B are effective.
For further information visit https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/