Latest news with #NaTHNaC
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Health chiefs issue urgent warning as vital vaccine is 'out of stock' in the UK
Holidaymakers may be at risk of contracting a deadly infection that could make their eyes bleed due to an extreme shortage of the vaccine that protects against it. The yellow fever jab is predicted to be unavailable for the next two to three weeks, according to a report published by the Foreign Office. Yellow fever is a serious and life-threatening infection predominately spread by mosquitos in certain parts of Africa, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Whilst most people who contract the viral infection experience mild flu-like symptoms before making a full recovery, in some cases it can be fatal. Patients who develop a severe illness with fever, jaundice—yellowing of the eyes and skin—dark urine, stomach pain and bleeding for from the eyes, nose, mouth or stomach are at significant risk of death, the NHS warns. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), a UK based organisation that works closely with the Foreign Office, recommends anyone travelling to these countries to get vaccinated against the infection. However, Sanofi, the manufactures of the yellow fever vaccine have now warned that it could be out of stock for up to three weeks, putting travellers at serious risk. The yellow fever vaccine—which costs around £70—is offered to anyone over the age of nine months who is travelling to a high-risk area, or a country that requires certification of vaccination. Current guidelines advise travellers to get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel, to allow enough time for the vaccine to work. For most people, the vaccine should provide lifelong protection against yellow fever, but a further dose is recommended to travellers who are at a higher risk of illness. This includes anyone who was vaccinated under the age of two, pregnant women, and those living with HIV. Whilst some countries require proof of vaccination—which is thought to be a highly effective method of preventing the spread of infection—for some destinations, it is simply recommended. Health officials have urged travellers to contact their local vaccination center who should be able to advise whether vaccination is appropriate. Where vaccines are unavailable, health professionals are advised to contact the NaTHNac to discuss available options. The NHS says it is also vital to prevent mosquito bites—through using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing— as this can ward off the bugs carrying the infection, as well as other serious diseases. The most recent reported case of yellow fever in the UK was in 2018, after a traveller returned from Brazil. Prior to this only 11 cases were reported in travellers from Europe and the United States who visited high risk area between 1970 and 2015, according to official figures. However between 2016 and 2018 there was a sharp rise in travel associated cases of the infection—most likely linked to outbreaks in Brazil. While the virus cannot spread person to person, if you are infected, a mosquito can bite you and then infect someone else. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 777 cases of yellow fever were reported across eight Brazilian states during this time, tragically killing 261 people. An estimated 200,000 cases of yellow fever are reported worldwide each year, including 30,000 deaths. Whilst vaccination is thought to be the best method to prevent against infection—with more than 600million doses of the vaccine administered worldwide—the yellow fever vaccine can cause serious side-effects. After having the vaccine, up to a third of people experience headache, muscle pain and a high temperature. These side-effects usually pass within a couple of weeks but in very rare cases the vaccine can cause life-threatening organ damage. In 2019 one of the UK's leading cancer scientists
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Alert as vaccine for travellers for lethal infection out of stock
The vaccine is expected to be out of stock for a number of weeks, Foreign Office website Travel Health Pro today reported Holidaymakers have been alerted to a disruption in the supply of a crucial vaccine, which is expected to be 'unavailable' for the next 2-3 weeks. Sanofi has informed NaTHNaC that there will be a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine Stamaril in the UK. The Foreign Office's Travel Health Pro website reported today that the vaccine is anticipated to be out of stock for 2-3 weeks. NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) is a UK organisation dedicated to safeguarding the health of British travellers. This means individuals travelling to certain regions globally will not be able to receive vaccination against this potentially deadly disease. The NHS warns: "Yellow fever is a serious infection spread by mosquitoes. It's found in certain areas of Africa and South and Central America. You should have a yellow fever vaccination if you're travelling to an area where there's a risk of getting it. Yellow Fever is a potentially fatal disease transmitted by mosqjuitos and turns wee dark, causes serious stomach pain, yellows the skin and eyes and bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth or stomach - serious cases can be Foreign Office site said: ". Countries in Africa with Risk of Yellow fever Transmission: Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritania, Benin, Ethiopia, Niger, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Nigeria, Burundi, Gambia, the Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, South Sudan, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Sudan, Congo, Republic of Kenya, Togo, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mal Countries in Central and South America with Risk of Yellow Fever Transmission: Argentina, French Guiana, Suriname, Bolivia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago (Trinidad only), Brazil, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru The Foreign Office site said: "Where a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre (YFVC) is unable to provide Yellow Fever vaccine during this vaccine shortage, the YFVC is expected to proactively research alternative supplies in their locality and direct travellers accordingly (this should be done for travellers who ring for advice and for travellers who attend for face to face consultation if vaccination is required promptly). "YFVCs will help travellers seeking YF vaccine at this time of vaccine shortage by: Ensuring an individual risk assessment is undertaken, and that YF vaccination is appropriate Signposting the traveller to possible alternative YFVC which are listed on the NaTHNaC YFVC locator database Contacting vaccine "distributors on behalf of the traveller. Some vaccine distributors may hold information on YFVC with vaccine availability" Check if you're at risk of yellow fever You can get yellow fever if you're bitten by an infected mosquit o. The mosquitoes that carry the yellow fever virus bite during the day. Yellow fever is very common in certain parts of the world, including: parts of sub-Saharan Africa (the area below the Sahara desert) parts of South America, including Trinidad and Tobago parts of Central America Yellow fever is not found in the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific Islands. How to lower your risk of yellow fever If you're travelling to an area where yellow fever is found, there are some things you can do to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers to cover your arms and legs, particularly during early morning and early evening use insect repellent on your skin (ideally one that contains the ingredient DEET) close windows and doors whenever possible, or use blinds or screens sleep under a mosquito net treated with insecticide, including during the day Symptoms of yellow fever Yellow fever symptoms usually start 3 to 6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, but sometimes they can take longer to appear. Some yellow fever symptoms are similar to flu, such as: high temperature headache feeling or being sick aches and pains loss of appetite feeling generally unwell These symptoms often last 3 or 4 days. But a small number of people get more serious symptoms within 24 hours of feeling better. More serious symptoms include: yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice) dark pee stomach pain bleeding from your eyes, nose, mouth or stomach – you may have blood in your vomit or poo These more serious symptoms can be fatal. For more information from the NHS on yellow feve r click here.
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Right way' to use mosquito repellent on holiday
Travellers should always check NaTHNaC's information pages for specific location-based information regarding disease risks Mosquito bites aren't just frustratingly itchy - they can pose a considerable health risk when travelling to different parts of the world. Malaria, dengue, Zika and yellow fever are all diseases transmitted by these insects, potentially causing severe illness, which can sometimes be deadly. It's important to check the proper advice for your summer holiday destination, and equally important to use repellent correctly. Repellents need to be applied both day and night, indoors and outdoors, in regions where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent. Government advice, updated in 2023, suggests: "A product with 50% DEET is recommended as a first choice. If DEET is not tolerated, use of a repellent containing the highest strength formulation available of either icaridin (20%), eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclised or 3-ethlyaminopropionate is recommended." While you may be tempted to apply repellent before sunscreen, the Government warns that it should always be used afterwards for the most effective results. Using suncreams with an SPF of 30 to 50 is also key, as DEET can reduce their potency. Most repellents must be reapplied frequently, especially in hot countries and after spending time in the pool or sea. However, users are encouraged to read each repellent's packaging for more specific guidance. "50% DEET is safe for those pregnant and breastfeeding and for babies older than two months," the Government's guidance adds. "Get advice before you travel from your doctor or pharmacist if your baby is aged under two months. READ MORE: PMDD red flags as Vicky Pattison opens up about health battle "Take insect repellents with you—in case of shortages at your destination." It's also worth wearing long-sleeved clothing, trousers, long dresses, and socks to stop mosquitoes from reaching the skin. Nets treated with insecticide are recommended too, particularly in situations where you might be sleeping outdoors or in a space without air conditioning. The Government adds: "Check your net for rips and tuck the ends under the mattress. There may also be a risk of bites from ticks and other insects; the same protective measures will help reduce bites from these too..." Travellers should always check NaTHNaC's information pages for more specific location-based information regarding disease risks. Four to six weeks before a trip, visiting a practice nurse, GP, or pharmacist is generally advisable, as vaccinations and medications may be encouraged in certain situations. "Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for certain countries, and antimalarial tablets may be advised to protect against malaria for some destinations," the Government adds. "If you have health problems, are pregnant or planning pregnancy it is particularly important to get tailored pre-travel advice six to eight weeks before travel. With careful preparation, most pregnant women are able to travel without experiencing health problems." You can also head to the Government's website for further insights. Three key ways to prevent mosquito bites while travelling Use mosquito nets in situations where you are sleeping outside or in spaces without air conditioning Frequent and correct application of insect repellent - putting it on after sun cream Wear long-sleeved clothes, socks, trousers and long skirts where possible
