Britis should be making sure they are vaccinated against a potentially severe disease when visiting Peru, the Foreign Office has said due to risks of yellow fever
British tourists travelling to a popular holiday destination have been warned over a potentially deadly disease.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned travelling Brits of the Oropouche virus disease and yellow fever. It urged people tourists who may be going to the Amazon rainforest or Machu Picchu to visit the NHS travel vaccinations page to see which jabs are recommended and which ones will cost a person preparing to travel money.
TravelHealthPro said according to the Express: “At least eight weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccine recommendations for Peru… As of September 16, 2024, a total of 930 confirmed Oropouche virus disease cases have now been reported in 2024.” The NHS calls yellow fever a “serious infection” that is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms of yellow fever include:
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high temperature
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headache
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feeling or being sick
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aches and pains
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loss of appetite
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feeling generally unwell
Symptoms usually last three or four days, but some people can experience more serious problems that can be fatal including: yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice); dark pee; stomach pain; bleeding from your eyes, nose, mouth or stomach; blood in your vomit or poo.
The Oropouche virus can be spread by mosquitoes, but is mostly carried by midges.. There are no vaccines for this virus and people travelling to affected areas are urged to take their own protective measures. The US-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said: “Common symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain. Symptoms typically last less than a week (2–7 days) and can often reoccur a few days or even weeks later.”
Warnings of gang violence, not just possible infections, are cited by the FCDO as a reason why the department “advises against all but essential travel”. The FCDO advises against travel within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border and Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) area.
Regarding warnings about travelling near the Amazon River, the FCDO said: “There have been cases of criminal activity along the Amazon River. Thieves, known locally as ‘river pirates’, can be armed. Solo travellers and foreign nationals have been targeted when travelling on the Amazon River. Travel with a reputable commercial or travel company if you are visiting the Amazon River.” There is also a “high level of gang-related violence” linked to organised crime gangs producing and distributing drugs in the Peru-Colombia border area, while guerilla forces continue to carry out attacks in the VRAEM area.