Yellow Fever

South America

Yellow Fever

The chance of getting yellow fever in Florida is currently extremely low, virtually zero, as there have been no confirmed cases in Florida for over a century and the virus is only found in tropical regions of Africa and South America. While the mosquitoes that can transmit yellow fever are present in Florida, they have not proven to be significant vectors for the disease within the United States, and there have been no reported cases since 1918.  

Reference:

https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/yellow-fever/index.html#:~:text=Yellow%20fever%20was%20previously%20a,and%20parts%20of%20South%20America.

Africa

Yellow fever is a rare cause of illness in U.S. travelers to endemic countries.  Fortunately, it can be prevented by vaccination. Vaccination is the most important preventive measure against yellow fever. The single dose vaccine is safe, affordable and highly effective. The vaccine confers sustained immunity and life-long protection against yellow fever disease without the need for a booster. The vaccine provides effective immunity within 30 days for 99% of persons vaccinated.

Travelers should be vaccinated for yellow fever before visiting areas where it occurs. International regulations require proof of vaccination for travel to and from certain countries. Travelers should also take the precautions against mosquito bites found in this CDC travel guide.