Preventing Yellow Fever

Key points

  • Yellow fever virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
  • Yellow fever occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America.
  • The best way to prevent yellow fever is to prevent mosquito bites and get vaccinated before traveling, if vaccination is recommended for you.
Person spraying insect repellent on their arm

Prevention tips

Yellow fever virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Yellow fever occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America.

The best way to prevent yellow fever is to protect yourself from mosquito bites and get vaccinated before traveling, if vaccination is recommended for you.

  • Use insect repellent
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
  • Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin
  • Choose lodging with air conditioning, screens on windows and doors, or use a mosquito net if you will be sleeping outdoors

Additional information about protecting yourself from mosquito bites while traveling is available on the CDC Mosquitoes website.

Getting vaccinated‎

All travelers to countries with risk of yellow fever should take steps to avoid mosquito bites and discuss the need for vaccination with their healthcare provider.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)