Yellow fever in the Americas

Original publication date: February 16, 2026

Updated: March 9, 2026

Key points

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that can spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Illness can range from a fever with aches, to severe liver disease with bleeding and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
A vaccine to prevent yellow fever infection is approved in Canada. Talk to your health care provider about whether it’s right for you.

The destinations listed below are reporting higher than expected numbers of yellow fever cases: Colombia, Venezuela.
Pay close attention to the yellow fever situation in your destination, including at the local level.

Talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably about 6 weeks before your departure date to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it’s still worthwhile to make an appointment.
- A yellow fever vaccine is approved for use in Canada.
- Vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting Colombia and Venezuela, depending on their itinerary. Discuss vaccination benefits and risks with your health care provider.
- Contact a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre at least 6 weeks before your departure date to confirm vaccine availability and to make an appointment.

- Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travelling to allow enough time for the vaccine to take effect before you reach your destination.
- You will receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis after you get your vaccine. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccination date.
- Carry this certificate with you if proof of vaccination is required for entry into the country.
- To check if you need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter the country, go to the health tab of your destination’s Travel Advice and Advisories page, under the ‘Pre-travel vaccines and medications’ section.
Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.

Learn more:
World Health Organization: Vaccination requirements and recommendations

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that spread the yellow fever virus typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset. To protect yourself from bites:
- use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
- wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
- wear socks and closed-toe shoes
- sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
Visiting rural or jungle areas, or participating in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, cycling or fieldwork may increase your exposure to mosquitoes.

Learn more:
Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of yellow fever. Tell them where you’ve been travelling or living and about your activities while travelling.
- Fever and other symptoms of yellow fever can be similar to many other infections, and you can’t always tell them apart without lab tests. One of these infections is malaria, so it's important to let your health care provider know if you’ve travelled to an area where malaria is common.

Learn more:
If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
Malaria transmission and recommended preventive measures by geographical area

Yellow fever is caused by a virus that is spread to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms can take 3 to 6 days to appear, and may include:
- fever
- chills
- headache
- joint and muscle pain
- back pain
- nausea and vomiting
- fatigue
- dehydration
- weakness
Some people develop a more severe form of the disease, which can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), organ failure, internal bleeding, and shock. Severe disease can be fatal.
Treatment focuses on easing symptoms.
People who recover from yellow fever are usually protected for life.

Learn more:
Yellow fever

Other Resources