Nigeria and eight other African countries have reported 67 confirmed cases of yellow fever, with 18 deaths, from January to October 2026. This information comes from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The countries affected include Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Togo.
In a report published on 6 November 2026, the WHO noted that yellow fever is spreading in different parts of Africa. The outbreak is mainly in West Africa, especially in areas near international borders.
During this period, Nigeria had four confirmed cases and one death. Cameroon saw nine cases and one death.
Côte d’Ivoire had the highest number of confirmed cases, with 30 infections and 10 deaths. Burkina Faso followed with 15 cases and three deaths.
Ghana reported four cases and three deaths, while Liberia had one confirmed case. The Central African Republic had two cases, while Guinea and Togo each reported one case. There were no deaths in these last three countries.
The WHO said these numbers represent the latest available data as of 12 October 2026. The detection of cases in these nine countries shows that yellow fever transmission is increasing in parts of West Africa.
Factors Driving Transmission
The WHO pointed out several reasons why yellow fever is spreading. These include frequent cross-border movements, uneven vaccination coverage, and environmental conditions that help mosquitoes thrive.
The report stated, "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 also mentioned that frequent movement across borders for trade, farming, livestock, and mining could spread the virus between affected and nearby countries.
The WHO said that affected countries, with support from the organization and partners, are boosting disease surveillance, investigating cases, doing lab tests, and stepping up efforts to find infections.
Other actions include engaging communities, sharing risk information, and carrying out vaccination in affected and high-risk areas.
Regional Risk
The WHO assessed the overall public health risk from yellow fever in the African Region as moderate on 27 October, while the global risk is low.
They noted that continued transmission and more cases in the region are likely. This is due to existing immunity gaps, issues with surveillance and lab testing, insecurity, limited resources, and difficulties reaching some affected communities.
The organization warned that if the virus reaches densely populated urban areas with low vaccination rates, it could lead to bigger outbreaks and put more pressure on health systems.
The report said, "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."
Vaccination Remains Key
Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.
According to the WHO, about 15 percent of those infected get severe illness, which can include high fever, jaundice, bleeding, shock, and organ failure.
The report added, "Approximately half of patients who enter this severe phase die within seven to 10 days."
The WHO said there is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow fever, and care is mainly supportive.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease. A single dose gives lifelong protection.
The WHO urged at-risk countries to keep vaccination coverage high through routine immunization and outbreak response campaigns, especially in places with known immunity gaps.
They also called for better surveillance, timely lab testing, mosquito control, and public education on symptoms and prevention.
The organization recommended that international travelers aged nine months and older going to areas at risk of yellow fever get vaccinated.
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