health

Vaccination* against yellow fever is the single most important prevention
measure, and it is a must for people traveling to countries where the disease
is common. Most countries in which yellow fever occurs require a certificate
proving that travelers have been vaccinated before they are allowed into
the country. One dose of vaccine provides at least 10 years of immunity.
Doctors recommend that infants under six months of age, pregnant
women, people allergic to eggs (eggs are used in producing the vaccine),
and people with a weakened immune system* (such as people who have
AIDS* or certain cancers) not receive the vaccine; these people are advised
to delay visits to countries where yellow fever is endemic*.
Avoiding mosquito bites when traveling abroad reduces the risk of
contracting yellow fever. To help prevent infection, experts suggest that
travelers do the following:

• Wear long sleeves and pants
  
• Avoid going outside when mosquitoes are active—at dawn, dusk,
  and early evening
  
• Use mosquito repellent
  
• Sleep beneath a mosquito net