Yellow Fever in Brazil (Sao Paulo State)

10 May 2016

A fatal case of yellow fever has been reported by the Secretariat of Health, for the interior of Sao Paulo state in the southeast of Brazil.

The case was a 38-year-old male who was hospitalised on 26 March 2016, with symptoms of dengue fever in the municipality of Sao Jose do Rio Preto. Laboratory results confirming yellow fever were not available prior to his death. Family members of the case reported that the man frequently fished in rural areas, including the very remote area Mata dos Macacos.

Further laboratory testing is being carried out to confirm the diagnosis and an alert has been issued in the city. Yellow fever was last reported in the Southeast region of Brazil in 2001. This is a media report and confirmation by WHO is to follow.

Advice for Travellers

The state of Sao Paulo is a recognized risk area for transmission on yellow fever virus and vaccination is recommended for all travellers to this area. Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

• Further information on yellow fever.
• Further information on mosquito bite avoidance.