Yellow Fever Prevention

How Can Yellow Fever Be Prevented?

• The yellow fever vaccine is effective and a single offers protection for 10 years. The vaccine can be taken by adults and by children over nine months old. The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, people allergic to eggs or suffering from HIV/AIDS. People with thymus disease should also consult with their doctor before receiving the vaccination. Most African and Latin-American countries request the official yellow fever vaccine certificate airport to enter the country. This vaccine is only given at designated yellow fever vaccination centers. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has published the Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinics in the United States. You must wait 10 days after the vaccination to be considered immunized against yellow fever.
• Mosquito control through community efforts to reduce larval breeding sources is a good way to prevent dengue but requires community awareness. Try to get rid of standing water of any quantity in your yard, and your neighbor’s. Aedes mosquitoes can breed in as little as a teaspoon of standing water. Plates under potted plants, puddles, and water accumulated in tires are some infamous mosquito breeding grounds.
• Systematic spraying was used early 1970s but this has been stopped in most countries and now spraying is only done during outbreaks.
• Biological control is in the experimental stage.
• Individual protection against mosquitoes. This means: applying an effective mosquito repellent on exposed skin when outdoors and wearing light-colored insect proof clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Please be aware that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are adept at flying up underneath pant legs and skirts, so apply insect repellent to all possibly exposed skin. The home should be regularly fumigated, air-conditioned and screens should be on windows and doors if these are to be left open. Although Aedes are mostly day biters, it is a good idea to nap and sleep underneath a mosquito net.

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