Yellow Fever Outbreak

Angola is experiencing an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in Luanda Province, and cases have been reported in the provinces of Kwanza Sul, Huambo, and Huila. As of February 11, at least 200 suspected cases have been reported, including at least 37 deaths.  The Angolan Ministry of Health is working with the World Health Organization to control the outbreak and has initiated a vaccination campaign in the Viana Municipality, with the possibility of extending the campaign to the entire Luanda Province.

The government of Angola requires all travelers older than 1 year of age to show proof of yellow fever vaccination on arrival, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends all travelers age 9 months or older be vaccinated against yellow fever.  We encourage any American citizen in Angola or planning on traveling to Angola that has not been vaccinated to seek vaccination.

The U.S. Embassy continues to encourage all citizens to be vigilant in implementing anti-mosquito measures.  Such measures can include: avoiding areas where there is standing water in which mosquitos can breed; avoiding being outdoors in the early morning or early evening twilight period; using mosquito repellants, and using mosquito netting.

American citizens should also be vigilant in recognizing the signs and symptoms of Yellow Fever, which can appear similar to those for malaria.  These symptoms include sudden onset of fever, fatigue, weakness, chills, severe headache, arthralgia and general body pain, nausea, and vomiting.  If you notice such symptoms, immediately seek diagnosis and treatment from a health-care provider.

For more information about Yellow Fever, please visit the CDC link FAQ’s about Yellow Fever.  For additional assistance:

  • Call the Consular Section at the phone numbers listed below or send an email to consularluanda@state.gov.
  • See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Angola Country Specific Information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Angola, located at Rua Presidente Houari Boumedienne, 32, Luanda, Angola, at (244) 222-641-000, (244) 222-445-481, 222-445-727, or 222-446-096,  After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is  (244) 923-404-209 or (244) 923- 640-154.
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).