The Public Health Authorities in Malta advise that people travelling to areas where yellow fever is endemic are to get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. The recommendation is that a single dose be considered sufficient to provide life-long immunity. Travellers are advised to contact the national immunization services at Floriana Health Centre on 25680222-3/21243314. This is particularly important for people travelling to Angola and Congo where a recent outbreak of yellow fever has been reported.

Yellow fever vaccine can be given any time after nine months of age.

People travelling to countries where yellow fever is endemic should also take the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. This includes wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants, using insect repellent containing DEET, and using bed nets. Staying in accommodation with screens and air-conditioned rooms will also reduce the risk of mosquitoes.

The risk of yellow fever affecting Malta is low as the main vector mosquito which transmits the virus, Aedes aegypti, is not found in Malta. The Health Authorities, however, have taken a number of measures which include:

Enhanced awareness on importance of vaccination for travellers;

Advice on prevention of mosquito bites in endemic areas;

Ensuring availability of vaccines;

Surveillance and control of mosquitoes.

The yellow fever virus is transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Yellow fever cannot be transmitted from person to person.

The majority of persons infected with yellow fever have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. If symptoms develop these include fever, general body aches, nausea and vomiting. The severe form is characterized by high fever, jaundice, and bleeding; in 10% of cases it may result in death. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Treatment is symptomatic.

For more information contact the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate on 23266000.