Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by certain types of mosquitoes. The infection can cause illness which ranges from a fever with aches and pains to severe liver disease with bleeding and yellowing skin and it can spread rapidly.
However, it can be prevented by a single vaccine dose, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In reaction to Uganda’s outbreak declaration, the CDC updated its vaccination suggestions when visiting Uganda on May 16, 2019. The recommended vaccines now include the MMR, Routine Vaccines and the yellow fever vaccine.
Uganda government has since the declared any visitor traveling to Uganda or visiting Uganda for a Uganda safari or gorilla trekking safaris should get a yellow fever vaccine 14 days to your travel date otherwise you may not be allowed in Uganda.
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Health Requirements;
Gorillas are 98% human meaning they get almost all the diseases we get as well, your required to take good care of your self before going for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees are highly susceptible to human diseases including flu and colds and that’s why the tracking health requirements are important.
If you are participating in a gorilla / chimp trek then you need to be free of any visibly contagious diseases like Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Tetanus , Hepatitis , Malaria , Diarrhea / Guardia etc. and this is checked at the start of the trek by the Park Authorities.
Uganda Required Vaccinations: Yellow Fever
Entry requirements
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers 1 year of age and older.
The vaccination requirement is imposed by this country for protection against Yellow Fever since the principal mosquito vector Aedes aegypti is present in its territory.
Last reviewed and updated: January 2020
Recommendations for all travelers
For their protection, vaccination is recommended for children 9 months of age and older since this country is in the Yellow Fever endemic zone.
Yellow fever Travel notice
Uganda may change its vaccination requirements without notice and in some instances border agents use their discretion to deny entry despite the officially stated requirements.
If there is risk of Yellow Fever in Uganda travel destinations, whether vaccination is required for entry or not, be prepared to show a certificate of vaccination or a waiver stating the medical reasons for not being vaccinated.
Validity of a Yellow Fever certificate
A Yellow Fever certificate is valid 10 days after vaccination.
Existing and new Yellow Fever vaccination certificates are now valid for life. The World Health Organization announced that as of 11 July 2016, countries can no longer require travelers to show proof of re-vaccination or a booster dose as a condition of entry. Travelers should note that this new regulation may not be honored by all border authorities during the transition phase.
Vaccination waiver: A vaccination waiver can be issued by your medical practitioner if the Yellow Fever vaccine is contraindicated for medical reasons.
Be aware that problems may arise when crossing Uganda borders and the vaccination waiver may not be honored. Take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime in Yellow Fever risk areas