YELLOW FEVER

What is it?

Yellow Fever is a potentially fatal, vaccine-preventable disease caused by A flavivirus It is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito

Yellow Fever gets its name from the yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) that occurs when the virus attacks the liver

What are the symptoms?

Most people who get Yellow Fever will experience 3-4 days of fever, chills, aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, after which they will fully recover

About 15% of people will enter a second, more serious phase of the illness that is characterized by fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration, listlessness, jaundice, kidney failure and bleeding from the mouth, nose or eyes

Up to 50% of these people die

Survivors will have no long-term organ damage or other ill effects

How can I contract Yellow Fever?

You can get Yellow Fever if you are bitten by an infected Aedes or Haemogogus mosquito in urban, rural and jungle environments in Africa and South America

Your risk of becoming infected increases depending on when you travel, the length of your stay and the kinds of outdoor activities you take part in (for eg., camping, hiking or cycling)

When there are no epidemics Yellow Fever is rare in urban environments

What vaccines are available?

The YF-VAX vaccine is available in Canada from designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres

All TMVC locations are designated to provide this vaccine and issue an International Certificate of Vaccination for countries that require it

To ensure full protection, you should get this vaccine at least 10 days before you enter a Yellow Fever endemic area

However you can still be vaccinated if you are leaving sooner

How many shots will I need?

The Yellow Fever vaccine is given in a single, one-time shot

Will I need a booster?

No

Since 2016 the vaccine has been considered valid for life

How can I prevent Yellow Fever?

Get vaccinated

Minimize mosquito bites by using insecticide sprays and insect repellents containing at least 30% DEET

Limit your outdoor activities

Wear permethrin-treated clothing

What is the treatment for Yellow Fever?

There is no treatment for Yellow Fever

"The Burnaby location has very nice staff that makes your less than fun stay much better (who likes being stuck by one or more needles). They give vaccinations for basically anything that you could need wile out travelling the world. "
Mike G - Yelp