after leaving the Malaria risk area. If you become ill with a fever, even months after your trip, inform your doctor that you traveled to a Malaria-infected area. Also, as with any prescription drug, be sure to follow the label directions and ask your doctor if have questions or suffer side effects.
Yellow fever occurs in certain jungle locations in South America and Africa. In South America, Yellow Fever is a very rare cause of illness for travelers, but, if you plan on spending time in the rainforest or coastal lowlands, you should get immunized. The vaccine is relatively inexpensive (relative to a few weeks in the hospital that is) and it is a worthwhile investment if you come across some pesky infected mosquitoes.
Like Malaria, Yellow Fever is a disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Likewise, you should follow the same precautions as with Malaria. Employ insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito netting to minimize the risk of bites from infected mosquitoes.
The Yellow Fever vaccine is required for entry into certain South American countries. As of February 2000, the Yellow Fever vaccine was not required to enter Ecuador unless you were coming from a country that is considered a Yellow Fever risk area. In the event that the situation changes suddenly, we recommend that you check with theEcuadorian Consulate in your country before departing for Ecuador.
Should you decide to receive the Yellow Fever vaccination, you will be issued an International Certificate of Vaccination that will satisfy entry requirements for all persons traveling to or arriving from countries where there is active or a potential for Yellow Fever transmission. The vaccine and the Certificate are good for 10 years. Most countries will accept a medical waiver for persons with a medical contraindication to vaccination (for example, for pregnant women or for infants less than 4 months old). CDC recommends obtaining written waivers from consular or embassy officials before departure.
If you live in the United States, the Yellow Fever vaccine can only be administered at Yellow Fever Vaccine Centers designated by your state health department. Your doctor can not administer the Yellow Fever vaccine.