Daily Brief: 2017.4.17
THREAT ANALYSIS
Yellow Fever Outbreak in Brazil - Update
A recently released article has suggested that, although mosquito density is low and risk of exposure is limited, it is possible that travel-related cases of yellow fever could occur in the United States. This concern stems from the current outbreak of the virus that is occurring in Brazil, where at least 2,210 reported cases (604 confirmed) including 302 deaths (202 confirmed).
(Sources: NEJM, PAHO)
The outbreak in Brazil reportedly began in December. So far, cases have been reported in 342 municipalities, while the confirmed cases were distributed among 103 municipalities in 5 states.In regards to the confirmed fatal cases and their probable site of infection, 148 were in Minas Gerais, four in São Paulo, 43 in Espírito Santo, four in Pará, and three in Rio de Janeiro.
(Sources: PAHO, Reliefweb)
Yellow fever is a virus that is transmitted to people via the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The virus is typically found in tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa. Yellow fever kills 60,000 people a year. Individuals who become infected with yellow fever can experience illness that ranges in severity from a self-limited febrile illness to severe liver disease with bleeding. Symptoms typically take around 3-6 days to develop and include fever, chills, headache and muscle aches.
(Sources: CDC, NBC News)
ACTION STEPS
- To learn more about the release, individuals can utilize the following link.
- When travelling to infected areas individuals are encouraged to take the appropriate preventative measures such as wearing long sleeve clothing and utilizing insect repellants such as DEET.
- When travelling, individuals are encouraged to be aware of Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations for specific countries. This information is available on the CDC Travelers' Health page.