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Pediatrics21 papers

Encephalitis caused by yellow fever vaccine

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Yellow fever breakthrough infections can occur in individuals vaccinated against the virus, though they are considered rare 1. These infections are defined as symptomatic yellow fever occurring at least 30 days after primary vaccination 1.

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis is based on virologically confirmed or probable cases of yellow fever in individuals with documented proof of previous vaccination 1.
  • Probable cases include IgM seroconversion without seroconversion to other flaviviruses 1.
  • Management

  • Management of yellow fever, including breakthrough infections, is primarily supportive 1.
  • Specific antiviral therapies are not detailed in the provided abstracts.
  • Special Populations

  • No specific information regarding special populations (pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, comorbidities) is available in the provided abstracts.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Symptomatic yellow fever occurring at least 30 days after primary vaccination should be considered a breakthrough infection 1.
  • Diagnosis requires virologically confirmed or probable cases of yellow fever in vaccinated individuals 1.
  • Management is supportive 1.
  • (Evidence: Moderate)

    References

    1 Schnyder JL, Bache BE, Welkers MRA, Spijker R, Schaumburg F, Goorhuis A et al.. Yellow fever breakthrough infections after yellow fever vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. Microbe 2024. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Yellow fever breakthrough infections after yellow fever vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Schnyder JL, Bache BE, Welkers MRA, Spijker R, Schaumburg F, Goorhuis A et al. The Lancet. Microbe (2024)

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