Yellow Fever in Ethiopia - new cases reported after 45 years

Released: June 14, 2013

What is the current situation?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported six confirmed cases of yellow fever in Ethiopia. These are the first confirmed cases of yellow fever in Ethiopia in more than 45 years.The first case in this outbreak occurred in January 2013. All cases have been reported in the South Omo Zone in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ regions of Ethiopia. In response, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia launched an emergency yellow fever mass-vaccination campaign in June.

How can travelers protect themselves?

• CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers to most parts of Ethiopia. Learn more about CDC’s yellow fever recommendations for Ethiopia on the Ethiopia destination page.
• Travelers can protect themselves from yellow fever by getting yellow fever vaccine and preventing mosquito bites.

Get yellow fever vaccine:

• Visit a yellow fever vaccination (travel) clinic and ask for a yellow fever vaccine.
  • You should receive this vaccine at least 10 days before your trip.
  • After receiving the vaccine, you will receive a signed and stamped International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP, sometimes called the “yellow card”), which you must bring with you on your trip.
  • Protection from the vaccine lasts for 10 years.
  • In rare cases, the yellow fever vaccine can have serious and sometimes fatal side effects. People older than 60 years and people with weakened immune systems might be at higher risk of developing these side effects. Also, there are special concerns for pregnant and nursing women. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get the vaccine.

Prevent mosquito bites:

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent as directed.
• Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection. Use products with the following active ingredients:
  • DEET (Products containing DEET include Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, and Ultrathon)
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin) (Products containing picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan [outside the US])
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (Products containing OLE include Repel and Off! Botanicals)
  • IR3535 (Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart)
• Always follow product directions and reapply as directed:
  • If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
  • Follow package directions when applying repellent on children. Avoid applying repellent to their hands, eyes, and mouths.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself:
  • Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See the product information to find out how long the protection will last.
  • If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
  • Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

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