Nicaragua: Yellow fever vaccination requirements for residents

Event

The Nicaraguan Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday, August 22, that all residents - including foreign nationals and those residing in Nicaragua with work visas - are now required to receive a yellow fever vaccination ten days prior to traveling to a country where there is a risk of transmission. Residents younger than one years of age and older than 60 years old, pregnant and nursing women, and travelers visiting for less than 24 hours will not be required to provide proof of vaccination. The list of countries at risk for yellow fever transmission can be found on the World Health Organization's website.

Context

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms generally appear within three to six days following infection and include fever, chills, muscle and back pain, vomiting, headaches, and, in more serious cases, hemorrhaging and organ failure. The vaccine provides lifelong immunity.

Advice

Individuals in or traveling to Nicaragua are advised to consult their doctor regarding vaccination options and take measures to protect against mosquitoes (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in screened-in and/or air-conditioned rooms).