Mumbai airport officials uncover forged Yellow Fever certificate

The Sahar police have arrested a 47-year-old man, Diwan Singh Mohan Singh Chauhan, from Dehradun for carrying a fake Yellow Fever vaccination certificate at Mumbai International Airport.

“On Wednesday, Chauhan approached the Airport Health Organisation near the airport for renewal of his certificate. He informed Dr Kashi Pandian that he had taken the vaccine on November 17, 2024, and that the certificate had expired in 2024. The certificate bore the number D-15803. However, upon verification of departmental records, no such entry was found. Further examination by Dr Pandian confirmed that the stamp, signature, and certificate number were forged,” said a police officer.  Chauhan claimed that the Airport Health Organisation had issued the certificate upon payment of a fee.

Rs 300
Official fee charged to issue Yellow Fever Card

Why vaccine is necessary

According to Sahar Police officials, Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for passengers travelling to certain countries in Africa and South America. Although no Yellow Fever cases have been reported in India, vaccination is compulsory to prevent the disease from entering the country. The Airport Health Organisation administers the vaccine at an official fee of Rs 300, and it can only be given at authorised centres. The vaccine must be taken at least 10 days prior to travel and is administered only once in a lifetime. After vaccination, an international certificate (Yellow Fever Card) is issued.

What is Yellow Fever?

Yellow Fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes, primarily in tropical Africa and South America. Symptoms typically appear 3-6 days after a bite. While most recover, a severe infection can result in death. Prevention relies on a highly effective vaccine.

Key aspects of Yellow Fever

Symptoms
Initial: Sudden fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, body aches, nausea, fatigue
Severe (toxic phase): High fever, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding from nose/mouth/eyes/stomach, and shock

Treatment
No specific anti-viral drug exists; treatment is supportive, focusing on managing symptoms, hydration, and fever

Complications
Severe infections can lead to kidney failure, severe bleeding, liver failure, and death

Prevention
Vaccination is crucial for travellers and residents in endemic areas