Yellow fever plagues Brazil
According to local health authorities, there are now more than 100 cases of yellow fever in Brazil, and Canadian public health officials are advising people to seek medical advice before travelling to affected areas.
Most cases are in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, where authorities had confirmed 97 cases as of 27 January, of which 40 died.
On 23 January the health department of Sao Paulo said it had confirmed six cases of the disease, including four infections in Minas Gerais. All of the patients died.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said that it is monitoring the outbreak in the regions of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Bahia and Sao Paulo, and suspected cases in the Federal District.
In its travel health notice for Brazil, the agency said that if travellers plan to go to these areas, it is recommended that they discuss their plans with their healthcare provider due to the risk of yellow fever. “You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country,” the notice states. “Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.”