Media Statement

21 July 2011

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND SHORTAGES

It has come to the Department of Health’s attention that there is confusion
about the Yellow Fever requirements for travelers to and from Zambia and
that there is a shortage of vaccines in the country.

The public is advised to note that Zambia is not presently on the list of
countries from which South Africa requires a Yellow Fever certificate and
travelers to and from this country are not required to have a valid Yellow
Fever certificate. Should the policy change, members of the public
including travel agencies will be properly informed.

The supplier of Yellow Fever vaccines has informed the Department that
demands have exceeded supply and that there is currently a shortage in
the country, which will only be corrected by late August.

South Africans who intend to travel to or through high risk areas are
advised to postpone travel if possible. If not, such travelers should avoid
mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved clothes, especially in early
evenings and when outdoors; to apply insecticide repellent to the exposed
body parts and to sleep under treated mosquito nets. These travelers
should also ensure that they are aware and watch out for Yellow Fever
symptoms. Yellow Fever symptoms include a sudden onset of fever,
headache, backache, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. In very severe
cases there may be nosebleeds, vomiting of blood and blood in stools.

The clinical symptoms may be confused with other viral infections
therefore, confirmation of the presence of Yellow Fever virus is critical.

Upon their return into the country, they need to continue monitoring
themselves for symptoms and be in telephonic contact with port health
officials for a period of up to six days.

For further information please contact Mr Fidel Hadebe on 012 395-8493 or
079 517-3333.

Issued by the National Department of Health.