Yellow fever
Mosquito-borne viral disease driving renewed outbreak responses in West Africa.
WHO's Yellow fever fact sheet dated 20 October 2025 identifies vaccination as the most effective preventive measure and says a single dose provides lifelong protection.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Can emergency vaccination contain yellow fever outbreaks in West Africa?
Timeline for Yellow fever
Killed patients in two neighbouring countries
Pandemics and Biosecurity: Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire hit by yellow feverBackground
Yellow fever is an epidemic-prone viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Severe illness can include jaundice, bleeding, organ failure and shock. Vaccination is the main preventive tool, and WHO says one dose provides lifelong protection. Vaccination also protects travellers entering endemic areas.
Surveillance and laboratory confirmation distinguish suspected illness from a confirmed outbreak, while mosquito control and emergency vaccination can limit further transmission. The disease remains an international health-security concern because infected travellers and mosquito populations can carry risk beyond the first affected district. Strong routine coverage reduces the susceptible population before cases appear; rapid detection and response address gaps once transmission is found.
What is yellow fever?
How is yellow fever prevented?
Why is yellow fever a global health security concern?
Where was yellow fever reported in October 2026?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.