Yellow Fever Requirements For Angola: What You Need To Know

Angola has been grappling with a yellow fever outbreak since 2015, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been reminding travellers that a yellow fever vaccination is essential when visiting Angola. The vaccination is safe and provides life-long immunity against the disease. It is also required by the International Health Regulations (IHR), a legally binding framework to stop the spread of infectious diseases. Travellers should carry a valid certificate of vaccination, which may be inspected by border authorities.

Yellow fever vaccination is essential for travellers to Angola

Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, specifically the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The disease is acute and can cause viral haemorrhagic fever, which in turn can lead to bleeding from the mouth, eyes, ears and stomach, as well as multi-organ failure. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that there are about 84,000–170,000 severe cases of yellow fever a year, resulting in 29,000–60,000 deaths.

Angola has experienced outbreaks of yellow fever, with the most recent one beginning in December 2015. Since then, 1,975 suspected cases of yellow fever (618 laboratory-confirmed) and 258 deaths have been reported, the majority of them in the capital, Luanda, and in two other provinces. Travellers to Angola are at risk of contracting yellow fever, and the virus is known to spread to other urban areas and neighbouring countries. Therefore, it is crucial for travellers to be vaccinated and to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

In addition to the yellow fever vaccination, travellers to Angola are recommended to take antimalarials to protect themselves from malaria, which is present in all regions of the country. Other recommended vaccinations for Angola include typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

The yellow fever vaccination provides lifetime immunity

Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for travel to Angola. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all travellers to the country receive a yellow fever vaccination and hold a valid certificate of vaccination. This is a legally binding requirement under the International Health Regulations (IHR).

The yellow fever vaccine is a live vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the virus. A single dose of the vaccine provides lifelong protection from the virus for most people. There is no need for a booster shot. The vaccine is highly effective, providing immunity within 10 days for 80-100% of people. Within 30 days, more than 99% of vaccinated people are immune.

The duration of immunity following the yellow fever vaccine has been the subject of several studies. One study found that neutralising antibodies were present in 74.5-100% of participants, with a follow-up period of at least 10 years after vaccination. Another study found that 80.6% of participants retained neutralising antibodies more than 30 years after vaccination. A further study reported that 95% of participants had protective levels of antibodies with a median time after immunisation of 14 years (ranging from 11 to 60 years).

However, it is important to note that there is some evidence of a time-dependent decrease in neutralising antibodies. One study showed that neutralising antibody titres decreased from 94% in the first year after vaccination to 75% 10 years later. Two other studies reported neutralising antibody titres below protective levels in some participants 10 years after immunisation.

Overall, the available evidence suggests that a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection for most people. However, there may be individual variations in the duration of immunity, and further research is needed to fully understand the factors that may influence this.

The vaccination is safe and affordable

If you are planning a trip to Angola, it is important to know that a yellow fever vaccination is essential. The World Health Organization (WHO) requires all travellers to the country to be vaccinated against yellow fever and to hold a valid certificate of vaccination. This is a necessary precaution to protect yourself from the disease and to prevent its further spread.

The yellow fever vaccination is safe and affordable. It is a single-dose vaccine that provides protection for life. The cost of the vaccination varies depending on your location and clinic, with prices ranging from £69 to $170 per dose. However, it is important to note that the vaccination is more affordable than the potential cost of treatment for yellow fever.

The yellow fever vaccine is generally safe for most individuals. However, certain individuals may experience mild-to-moderate side effects, such as soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fever, headache, and muscle aches. These side effects are typically mild and subside within a few days. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if you have any contraindications to the vaccine.

The yellow fever vaccine is widely accessible and can be obtained from approved vaccination centres, travel clinics, or travel-certified pharmacies. It is important to plan ahead and receive the vaccine at least 10 days before your travel to Angola, as the vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after immunisation.

In summary, the yellow fever vaccination is both safe and affordable. It offers excellent protection against the disease and helps prevent its spread. By receiving the vaccination and carrying a valid certificate, travellers can ensure they meet the entry requirements for Angola and protect their health during their trip.

A valid certificate of vaccination is required to enter Angola

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The World Health Organization (WHO) reminds travellers that a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Angola. This requirement is in place to prevent the spread of yellow fever, which is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. The vaccination is safe and affordable, and a single dose provides life-long immunity against the disease. It is effective 10 days after the date of immunization.

The yellow fever vaccination is the only mandatory vaccine required for entry into Angola. It is recommended that travellers receive the vaccination at least 10 days before their trip. All travellers aged 9 months and older must provide a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Angola. Those who are exempt from the vaccination include babies under 9 months old and those with medical grounds for not being vaccinated, which must be certified by the appropriate authorities.

In addition to the yellow fever vaccination, there are several other vaccines that are recommended for travellers to Angola. These include vaccines for polio, measles, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and typhoid. It is also important to be up-to-date on all routine vaccines, such as chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and COVID-19. Travellers should consult with a healthcare provider or travel health professional to determine which vaccines are needed and to receive information on other health risks and precautions to take before travelling to Angola.

It is important to note that countries may change their vaccination requirements without notice, and border agents may use their discretion to deny entry despite the officially stated requirements. Therefore, travellers should always check for the most up-to-date information and requirements before their trip.

The yellow fever virus is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes

Yes, you do need a yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling to Angola. The World Health Organization (WHO) requires all travellers to the country to be vaccinated against yellow fever and to have a valid certificate of vaccination. This is to prevent the further spread of the disease, which is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Yellow fever is a viral disease caused by a virus that is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes that transmit the virus are of the Aedes and Haemogogus species. These mosquitoes breed in different habitats, including around houses (domestic), in forests or jungles (sylvatic), or in both habitats (semi-domestic). The Aedes mosquito, in particular, has been identified as a vector for the spread of the disease.

The yellow fever virus is transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person. The infection incubates in the body for 3 to 6 days, and symptoms may range from mild to severe. Many people do not experience any symptoms at all. Initial symptoms, if they occur, include fever, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms usually disappear within 3 to 4 days.

However, a small percentage of patients may enter a second, more toxic phase within 24 hours of recovering from the initial symptoms. This is characterised by a high fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, and bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach. This toxic phase is often fatal, with approximately half of the patients who enter this stage dying within 7 to 14 days.

As there is no specific treatment or cure for yellow fever, prevention through vaccination is crucial. The yellow fever vaccine is safe, effective, and affordable, providing life-long protection with a single dose. In addition to vaccination, other preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and avoiding mosquito bites are recommended to reduce the risk of infection.

Frequently asked questions