Yellow fever in Paraguay

Updated: April 28, 2008

• About Yellow Fever
• Recommendations for Travellers
• As a reminder
• Additional information

 

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor an outbreak of yellow fever in Paraguay.  Travellers are recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever and protect themselves from mosquito bites when going to this country.

As of April 21, 2008 the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare of Paraguay has confirmed 26 human cases of yellow fever including 8 deaths. All cases but one were reported from the departments of San Pedro and Central.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a serious viral infection which affects all people differently, often very severely.  It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.  Symptoms take three to six days to appear and include sudden onset of fever with chills, headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, yellow fever can lead to shock, bleeding, organ failure, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) and even death.

For additional information on yellow fever, see PHAC's Disease Information Backgrounder: Yellow Fever.

Recommendations for Travellers

PHAC recommends personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.   

1. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
   • Use DEET-based products.  Remember to apply carefully:
     • Do not apply to cuts, abrasions or irritated skin;
     • Do not spray repellent directly on the face;
     • Wash hands after application, to avoid contact with lips and eyes; and,
     • Do not use DEET and sunscreen combination products.  If application of sunscreen and DEET is required, apply the sunscreen first and let it soak into the skin for about 20 minutes before applying DEET.
2. Cover up. The less exposed skin you have, the less likely you are to be bitten. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
3. Use mosquito netting treated with insecticide.  This should be considered especially in playpens, cribs or strollers to protect babies under six months;
4. Consider your accommodations. When possible, remain in well-screened or completely enclosed, air-conditioned areas.

   For more detailed information on protecting yourself and your family against mosquito bites, refer to Statement on Personal Protective Measures to Prevent Arthropod Bites - Update.

5. Get vaccinated – it is the single most important measure for preventing yellow fever!

   The single-dose vaccine against yellow fever is safe, effective and recommended for individuals nine months of age and older. There may be some people for whom the vaccine is not recommended (e.g. pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems). See your personal physician or travel clinic to determine if the vaccine is right for you. The vaccine becomes protective after 10 days, and provides immunity for 10 years or more. In Canada, the vaccination is available only at designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres.

As a reminder…

PHAC strongly recommends that you consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks prior to international travel, regardless of your destination.  Meeting with a health care provider will help you understand your individual health needs and safety risks. The health care provider can suggest steps to take to prevent illness and injury while traveling and recommend appropriate vaccinations and preventative medications.

Travellers who get sick while traveling or become sick after returning to Canada should inform their health care provider.  Without being asked, travelers should tell their health care provider where they have been and what, if any, treatment or medical care they received while traveling (e.g., blood transfusions, injections, dental care, and surgery).

• Know before you go!
  General travel health advice

• Food and Water Precautions
  PHAC strongly recommends key principles regarding food and water precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to disease.

Additional information:

• Information on Yellow Fever from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Disease Information - Yellow Fever

• World Health Organization – Yellow Fever

• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Travel Report on Paraguay