Yellow fever in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports continued transmission of yellow fever in Africa.

From 1 January 2021 to 7 December 2022, 455 confirmed and probable cases with 40 deaths were reported to WHO from 13 countries.

The affected countries are:

Cameroon: 54 cases

Central African Republic: 29 cases (4 deaths)

Chad: 61 cases (7 deaths)

Cote d'Ivoire: 33 cases

Republic of the Congo: 71 cases

Democratic Republic of the Congo: 16 (1 death)

Gabon: 1 case

Ghana: 137 cases (21 deaths)

Kenya: 13 cases (5 deaths)

Niger: 6 cases (2 deaths)

Nigeria: 31 cases

Sierra Leone: 1 case

Uganda: 2 cases

Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is found in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America.

Advice for Travellers

• All travellers should be advised to practice mosquito bite avoidance at all times.

A traveller's risk of yellow fever is determined by their individual risk assessment. Factors that will influence their risk includes:

• country or countries to be visited
• length of stay
• rate of transmission at destination
• immunisation status
• planned activities

Unvaccinated travellers who visit yellow fever endemic areas are at risk of becoming infected.

• Yellow fever vaccine should be considered (unless contraindicated) for travellers at risk.

Detailed guidance can be found on the TRAVAX yellow fever disease page.