Updated: April 28, 2008
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring an outbreak of yellow fever in Argentina. Travellers are recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever and protect themselves from mosquito bites when going to the following areas of Argentina:
- The federal provinces of Misiones and Formosa;
- The department of Bermejo, within the federal province of Chaco;
- The departments of Beron de Astrada, Capital, General Alvear, General Paz, Ituzaingo, Itati, Paso de los Libres, San Cosme, San Miguel, San Martin, and Santo Tome within the federal province of Corrientes;
- The departments of Valle Grande, Ledesma, Santa Barbara and San Pedro within the federal province of Jujuy; and,
- The departments of General Jose de San Martin, Oran, Rivadavia and Anta within the federal province of Salta.
As of April 21, 2008 the Ministry of Health of the federal province of Misiones in Argentina has confirmed six human cases of yellow fever, including one death. All reported human cases of yellow fever in Argentina are from the federal province of Misiones. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health of Argentina confirmed yellow fever in one of 17 dead monkeys found in the Misiones province. Health officials were alerted to the re-emergence of yellow fever in Argentina by the infected monkey.
Yellow fever is a serious viral infection of short duration and varying severity. It is caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected day-time biting mosquito. Symptoms take three to six days to appear and include sudden onset of fever with chills, headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, yellow fever can lead to shock, bleeding, organ failure, jaundice (i.e., yellowing of skin and eyes) and death.
For additional information on Yellow Fever, see PHAC's Disease Information Backgrounder: Yellow Fever.
- PHAC recommends personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
- Use DEET-based products. Remember to apply carefully:
- Do not apply to cuts, abrasions or irritated skin;
- Do not spray repellent directly on the face;
- Wash hands after application, to avoid contact with lips and eyes; and,
- Do not use DEET and sunscreen combination products. If application of sunscreen and DEET is required, apply the sunscreen first and let it soak into the skin for about 20 minutes before applying DEET.
- Cover up. The less exposed skin you have, the less likely you are to be bitten. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Use mosquito netting treated with insecticide. This should be considered especially in playpens, cribs or strollers to protect babies under six months;
- Consider your accommodations. When possible, remain in well-screened or completely enclosed, air-conditioned areas.
For more detailed information on protecting yourself and your family against mosquito bites, refer to Statement on Personal Protective Measures to Prevent Arthropod Bites - Update.
Get vaccinated – it is the single most important measure for preventing yellow fever!
The single-dose vaccine against yellow fever is safe, effective and recommended for individuals nine months of age and older. There may be some people for whom the vaccine is not recommended (e.g. pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems). See your personal physician or travel clinic to determine if the vaccine is right for you. The vaccine becomes protective after 10 days, and provides immunity for 10 years or more. In Canada, the vaccination is available only at designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres.
PHAC strongly recommends that you consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks prior to international travel, regardless of your destination. Meeting with a health care provider will help you understand your individual health needs and safety risks. The health care provider can suggest steps to take to prevent illness and injury while traveling and recommend appropriate vaccinations and preventative medications.
Travellers who get sick while traveling or become sick after returning to Canada should inform their health care provider. Without being asked, travellers should tell their health care provider where they have been and what, if any, treatment or medical care they received while traveling (e.g., blood transfusions, injections, dental care, and surgery).
