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Yellow fever outbreak in northern Uganda

31 December 2010

The mystery Illness in northern Uganda has been confirmed as Yellow fever.

The undiagnosed disease in northern Uganda that has caused more than 40 deaths and affected 174 individuals, has been confirmed as yellow fever

The Ugandan Ministry of Health, WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed the infection. Cases have been reported from the districts of Abim, Agaco, Arua, Lamwo, Kitgum, Pader, Gulu, Kaabong and Lira. However, the most severe cases have been concentrated in Abim, Agago and Kitgum. A vaccination campaign is planned for the affected areas. These areas are not frequently visited by tourists but relief and development workers are active in affected areas.

Map of Uganda (Via ProMED-Mail 2010 #609)

More information

The last outbreak of Yellow fever in Uganda was in 1971-1972 and since this time, although Uganda has remained within the endemic zone, there has been a relaxation in control and checking of certificates.

Yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes and is most commonly found in more rural jungle locations.

There is no specific treatment and symptoms and severity vary from person to person. Yellow fever is a serious life-threatening disease.

Vaccination is recommended for all those travelling to northern Uganda along with other protective measures like impregnated mosquito nets, insect repellent and wearing clothing to cover as much of the skin as possible.

For further information or to read the country profile for Uganda please login in to the Travel Health Advice Centre (THAC) using your organisation's personalised domain name. 

If you don't have THAC but want to have access to the health information and advice service please email [email protected] for more information

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