Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Lima
Location: Peru (Iquitos, Pucallpa, Machu Picchu, areas of the Peruvian Amazon)
Event: Yellow Fever - Practice Enhanced Precautions
The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for South America including specific areas of Peru due to the continuing rise in reported cases of yellow fever (see linked map). NOTE: According to the CDC, Machu Picchu is now an area where Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for travelers. While the peak of Machu Picchu is not an area of risk, visitors travel through affected areas to get there. CDC now recommends travelers to these newly affected areas get vaccinated against yellow fever.
Yellow fever virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The best way to prevent yellow fever is to avoid mosquito bites and get vaccinated against yellow fever when traveling to an area with known transmission. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for all travelers going to areas with a risk for yellow fever transmission. There is no specific treatment or cure for yellow fever.
Initial symptoms of yellow fever can include fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (feeling tired), and weakness. Severe symptoms include high fever, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), bleeding, shock, and organ failure. If you think you or a family member might have yellow fever, see a doctor or talk with a healthcare provider.
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage and Peru’s Ministry of Health webpage for more information regarding yellow fever and areas with risk of transmission.
Actions to Take
· Ensure that you get vaccinated against yellow fever at least 10 days before traveling to areas with risk of transmission. Talk with a healthcare professional if you have questions about the yellow fever vaccine and if the vaccine is recommended you.
· Take steps to prevent bug bites as much as possible.
· Pregnant travelers should discuss potential risks and travel plans with their healthcare provider.
· Review the CDC webpage on preventing yellow fever.
· Seek medical treatment if you are experiencing symptoms of yellow fever. The Embassy cannot provide or pay for medical treatment but does keep a list of medical providers on our website: https://pe.usembassy.gov/medical-assistance/.
For Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Santiago de Surco 15023, Lima
+51-1-618-2000
LimaACS@state.gov
https://pe.usembassy.gov
