Situation summary in the Americas
From epidemiological week (EW) 1 of 2016 to EW 30 of 2017, Brazil, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Suriname have reported suspected and confirmed yellow fever cases.
Since the last Yellow fever Epidemiological Update published by the Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), only Bolivia has reported cases and no changes in the number of reported cases have been reported in the other countries.
In Bolivia, between EW 3 and EW 30 of 2017, a total of 5 yellow fever cases were confirmed, including 3 deaths (case fatality rate = 60%) (Figure 2). None of the cases had been vaccinated and all were infected in known areas with risk of yellow fever transmission in the departments of La Paz (4 cases) and Cochabamba (1 case). The age range of the cases is between 9 and 48 years and the majority (80%) are male.
Recommendations
PAHO/WHO urges Member States to continue efforts to immunize at risk populations and take the necessary actions to keep travelers informed and vaccinated, when heading to areas where yellow fever vaccination is recommended.
Vaccination
The yellow fever vaccine is safe and affordable and provides effective immunity against the disease in the range of 80 to 100% of those vaccinated after 10 days and 99% immunity after 30 days. A single dose provides life-long protection against yellow fever disease. A booster dose of yellow fever vaccine is not needed.
Given the limitations on the availability of vaccines and with the aim of promoting the rational use, PAHO / WHO reiterates its recommendations to national authorities:
Conduct an assessment of vaccination coverage against yellow fever in areas at risk at the municipal level to guarantee at least 95% coverage3 among the resident population of these areas.
Member States that are not currently experiencing outbreaks should not conduct immunization campaign. Priority should be given to the use of vaccines in susceptible populations and to avoid revaccination.
Ensure vaccination of all travelers to endemic areas at least 10 days before traveling.
Depending on vaccine availabilities, Member States should have a small stock that allows them to respond to outbreaks.
Postpone routine vaccination in children in non-endemic areas until sufficient vaccines are available. Once there is availability, catch-up campaigns should be conducted to complete vaccination schedules.