Daily Brief: 2017.3.10
THREAT ANALYSIS
Yellow Fever Outbreak in Brazil
Two experts from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have raised concerns that the mosquito-borne virus, yellow fever could make its way to the United States. This concern stems from the current outbreak of the virus that is occurring in Brazil, where at least 326 cases and 220 deaths have been confirmed.
(Sources: CNN, Medscape)
The outbreak in Brazil reportedly began in December. So far the outbreak has impacted the southeastern part of the country, primarily in jungle areas, where forest-dwelling mosquitoes are spreading the virus mainly to monkeys. According to the experts, while the likelihood of yellow fever outbreaks in the US is low, "travel-related cases of yellow fever could occur, with brief periods of local transmission in warmer regions such as the Gulf Coast states.”
(Sources: CNN, Washington Post)
Yellow fever is a virus that is transmitted to people via the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The virus is typically found in tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa. Yellow fever kills 60,000 people a year. Individuals who become infected with yellow fever can experience illness that ranges in severity from a self-limited febrile illness to severe liver disease with bleeding. Symptoms typically take around 3-6 days to develop and include fever, chills, headache and muscle aches.
(Sources: CDC, NBC News)
ACTION STEPS
- To learn more about the release, individuals can utilize the following link.
- When travelling to infected areas individuals are encouraged to take the appropriate preventative measures such as wearing long sleeve clothing and utilizing insect repellants such as DEET.
- When travelling, individuals are encouraged to be aware of Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations for specific countries. This information is available on the CDC Travelers' Health page.