Nigeria, eight other African countries record 67 yellow fever cases, 18 deaths — WHO

Nigeria and eight other African countries recorded 67 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 18 deaths, between January and October 2026, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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The affected countries are Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo.

In a Disease Outbreak News report published on 6 November 2026, the WHO said yellow fever transmission continues across its African Region, with recent outbreak activity concentrated in parts of West Africa, including communities close to international borders.

Nigeria recorded four confirmed cases, including one death, during the reporting period, while Cameroon reported nine cases and one death.

Côte d’Ivoire recorded the highest number of confirmed cases, with 30 infections and 10 deaths, followed by Burkina Faso, which reported 15 cases and three deaths.

Ghana recorded four cases and three deaths, while Liberia reported one laboratory-confirmed case. The Central African Republic recorded two cases, while Guinea and Togo reported one case each. No deaths were recorded among confirmed cases in the latter three countries.

The WHO noted that the figures reflect the latest information available as of 12 October 2026. It said the detection of cases in the nine countries indicates increased transmission across parts of West Africa.

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Factors driving transmission

The WHO identified frequent cross-border movement, uneven vaccination coverage and environmental conditions that favour the spread of infected mosquitoes as factors increasing the risk of further transmission.

“Occupational and environmental exposures, including work in or near forested areas, mining activities, and other outdoor occupations, are important risk factors for yellow fever infection,” it noted.

“Frequent cross-border population movement, the presence of competent mosquito vectors, and uneven vaccination coverage increase the risk of further transmission and geographic spread.”

According to the WHO, cross-border movement for trade, farming, livestock, and mining could contribute to the spread of the virus between affected and neighbouring countries.

The WHO said affected countries, with support from the organisation and other partners, are strengthening disease surveillance, investigating cases, conducting laboratory tests and intensifying efforts to identify infections.

Other measures include community engagement, risk communication and vaccination activities in affected and high-risk areas.

Regional risk

The WHO said it assessed the overall public health risk associated with the yellow fever situation as moderate across the African Region on 27 October, while the global risk remains low.

It considered continued transmission and additional cases in the region likely, citing existing immunity gaps, challenges with surveillance and laboratory testing, insecurity, limited resources and difficulties accessing some affected communities.

The organisation warned that introducing the virus into densely populated urban and peri-urban areas with low vaccination coverage could trigger larger outbreaks and put additional pressure on public health response systems.

“Unvaccinated populations are at highest risk, particularly rural and forest-edge communities, mobile and cross-border populations and people who work in forested areas, agriculture or mining,” it added.

Vaccination remains key

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can cause fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and weakness.

According to the WHO, about 15 per cent of infected people develop severe illness, which may involve recurrent high fever, jaundice, bleeding, shock and organ failure.

“Approximately half of patients who enter this severe phase die within seven to 10 days,” it noted.

The WHO said no specific antiviral treatment is routinely recommended, and clinical management is largely supportive.

It identified vaccination as the most effective preventive measure, noting that a single dose provides lifelong protection.

READ ALSO: Nigerias Health Minister confirms mass vaccination against measles, yellow fever

The WHO urged at-risk countries to maintain high vaccination coverage through routine immunisation and preventive or outbreak-response campaigns, particularly in communities with identified immunity gaps.

It also called for stronger surveillance, timely laboratory testing, mosquito control and public awareness of symptoms and prevention measures.

The organisation advised international travellers aged nine months and above visiting areas at risk of yellow fever transmission to receive vaccination.

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