German travelers to Yellow fever infection died, two other patients severely ill

Brazil travelers should take precautions

In Brazil, there is currently a high infection risk for yellow fever, which continues to spread. Also popular tourist resorts are affected. Both the Federal Foreign Office and the Robert Koch Institute and the World Health Organization warn of the danger of infection. Three German tourists have already become infected. One died during the repatriation in London.

The Foreign Office warns that the yellow fever transmission areas have spread to the eastern parts of the country. Current infections and deaths have been reported from the coastal area around Rio de Janeiro. It also affected popular tourist destinations such as Ilha Grande, Ilhabela and Angra dos Reis. Only a few areas are currently yellow fever-free, it says in the warning of the Foreign Office.

Aedes-Mücke: This is the culprit who can transmit the dangerous yellow fever to humans. (Image: Flavio_Brazil / fotolia.com)

Affected states

The number of confirmed human cases is increasing, especially in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and in the capital. Many European and South American travelers are already infected. As a countermeasure, large vaccination campaigns are currently being conducted in the affected areas. Travelers are urgently recommended vaccination before entry.

Already three German tourists infected

The RKI reports in a bulletin about three German tourists who became infected with yellow fever in Brazil. The diplomatic missions in Rio de Janeiro and London reported two Germans who had become infected with yellow fever on the popular holiday island Ilha Grande.

Life-threatening infection

One of the victims was still treated in Brazil and survived the serious illness. The second patient died during the transfer at the airport in London. Another German tourist was successfully treated in Frankfurt after her return. All infections took place in February 2018.

First yellow fever infections since 1999

The RKI reports that these are the first cases of yellow fever that have occurred since 1999 among German citizens. Yellow fever is transmitted through the bite of the diurnal Aedes mosquitoes. Normally, the virus circulates between mosquitoes and monkeys in rainforest regions and rarely occurs in humans.

Deadly trekking tour

The survivors reported on a trekking tour on the island of Ilha Grande, where they were stung several times by mosquitoes. The disease usually breaks out after an incubation period of five days. According to the RKI, the three affected persons were not vaccinated and did not seek medical advice from a doctor.

Warning should be taken seriously

Already in April 2017, the WHO recommended a yellow fever vaccine when traveling to Brazil. In January 2018 health experts are again calling for yellow fever vaccination for Brazil tourists. By that time, there were already dozens of deaths following a yellow fever outbreak. These warnings should be taken very seriously, because a yellow fever infection can be fatal.

About yellow fever

Yellow fever is one of the tropical diseases and is a dangerous viral disease. It is transmitted via the bite of the diurnal Aedes mosquito, which often carry the virus from infected monkeys. After an incubation period of three to six days, the disease breaks out. It can lead to high, fast-rising fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, muscle and headache. In addition, the pulse slows down and the conjunctiva becomes inflamed.

The second phase of the disease is extremely dangerous

After the first symptoms of the disease have disappeared, many sufferers think that they have overcome yellow fever. But now begins the dangerous phase of the disease, which can lead to a renewed, more severe outbreak. The yellow fever affects various organs, which can lead to internal bleeding and a failure of the liver and kidneys. As a result, the body shows signs of poisoning that often end in death. (Vb)