Health ministry warns of yellow fever after Nigeria outbreak

The health ministry says the yellow fever virus could be brought into the country by those who have not been vaccinated against it. (AFP pic)

PETALING JAYA: The health ministry has issued a warning about yellow fever entering the country following the death of 16 people from an outbreak of the fatal strain in Bauchi, Nigeria last month.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said while no cases have been reported in Malaysia, there is a risk of the virus spreading here due to the Aedes mosquito.

“The yellow fever virus could be brought in by those entering Malaysia who have not been vaccinated against yellow fever or have been infected by the virus,” he said in a statement.

He said the ministry is taking several precautions including vetting travellers from at-risk countries who do not have certificates of vaccination.

Authorities will also keep watch for travellers who have been in such countries for more than 12 hours. He said these people could be quarantined for six days before being let into the country.

The ministry will also work with the education ministry to ensure foreign students from at-risk countries are vaccinated, as well as the foreign and tourism ministries to increase awareness among travellers of the need for vaccination if they are visiting these countries.

Yellow fever can be transmitted through mosquitoes. Symptoms of the disease include fever and typhoid, and, if left untreated, can cause renal failure and possible coma. - FMT