The CDC on Wednesday issued a travel alert for Brazil due to an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever, which has sickened more than 400 people in primarily rural regions of the South American nation.
Yellow fever is principally transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus incites fever, back pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness and fatigue. While a majority of those infected recover, approximately 15 percent develop severe infections, which can lead to fatal liver, kidney or heart conditions.
"Anyone nine months or older who travels to these areas should be vaccinated against yellow fever. People who have never been vaccinated against yellow fever should not travel to areas with ongoing outbreaks," warned the CDC in the alert. "Travelers should consult with a yellow fever vaccine provider to determine if they should be vaccinated."
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Since the beginning of the outbreak in December 2016, approximately 40 deaths have been tallied among confirmed yellow fever cases in Brazil and another 37 deaths have been counted among the suspected cases, according to the World Health Organization.
To learn more about yellow fever vaccine clinics, click here.
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