Yellow fever in Bolivia: La Paz

06 Jun 2024

The Bolivian Ministry of Health reports two deaths from yellow fever in April and May 2024. Both people had travelled to the northern part of La Paz Department. Reports suggest they were either unvaccinated or had not been vaccinated early enough before travel.

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is found in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America.

Advice for Travellers

• All travellers should be advised to practice mosquito bite avoidance at all times.

A traveller's risk of yellow fever is determined by their individual risk assessment. Factors that will influence their risk includes:

• country or countries to be visited

• length of stay

• rate of transmission at destination

• immunisation status

• planned activities

Unvaccinated travellers who visit yellow fever endemic areas are at risk of becoming infected.

• Vaccination is advised for all travellers aged 9 months or over going to yellow fever endemic areas of Bolivia unless contraindicated.

• Country requirement at entry (WHO): a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Detailed guidance can be found on the TRAVAX yellow fever disease page.