Yellow fever update in the Americas - August 2024

A yellow fever surveillance update has been provided by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) for the period between epidemiological week 1 (EW 1), and EW 35 of 2024.

According to PAHO there have been 38 confirmed cases and 19 deaths. Cases have been reported in Bolivia (7), Brazil (3), Colombia (8), Guyana (2) and Peru (18).

All cases had a history of working in or visiting forested areas of risk. The majority were unvaccinated.

National health authorities were reminded of the importance of yellow fever universal vaccination in children. All children are recommended to receive a dose of yellow fever vaccination at the same time as their first MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) at 12 months of age. Catch up programs are currently recommended for MMR vaccination in children under 5 years. This may also be an opportunity to provide a simultaneous dose of yellow fever vaccine.

All countries are recommended to achieve a vaccine coverage of at least 95% in areas of risk of yellow fever. Surveillance continues to be an important aspect of reducing the risk of further outbreaks.

The report is available at PAHO.

While vaccination continues to be a key element in reducing the risk of epidemics, it cannot be seen as the sole strategy. Outbreaks in Angola and Brazil in 2016 and 2017 are good examples of how the disease can easily spill over into urban areas resulting in large numbers of cases and many deaths. Environmental strategies must also play a role.

WHO’s global strategy to eliminate yellow fever epidemics (EYE 2017-2026) can be sourced at WHO.