Yellow Fever Claims 18 Lives Across Nine African Countries as WHO Reports 67 Confirmed Cases, Nigeria Among Affected Nations.
Nigeria is among nine African countries reporting confirmed yellow fever infections, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirming a total of 67 cases and 18 deaths across the affected countries between January 1 and October 12, 2026.
According to WHO’s Disease Outbreak News update published on November 6, 2026, the affected countries are Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo.
Nigeria recorded four confirmed cases, including one death, during the reporting period, placing the country among those experiencing ongoing yellow fever transmission.
Côte d’Ivoire recorded the highest number of confirmed infections, with 30 cases and 10 deaths. Burkina Faso reported 15 cases and three deaths, while Cameroon recorded nine cases, including one death. Ghana reported four cases and three deaths, while Liberia recorded one confirmed case.
The Central African Republic reported two cases, while Guinea and Togo recorded one case each. No deaths were reported among confirmed cases in these three countries.
WHO Raises Concern Over Regional Transmission
The WHO warned that yellow fever transmission remains a public health concern in parts of the African region, particularly West Africa, where recent outbreak activity has been concentrated in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Liberia.
The organisation identified several factors contributing to the possibility of further transmission, including frequent cross border movement, the presence of mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus, uneven vaccination coverage and occupational exposure in forested environments.
People involved in mining, forestry and other outdoor activities may face increased exposure to infected mosquitoes, particularly in areas where the virus circulates between mosquitoes and non human primates.
Although epidemiological links between the reported outbreaks have not been established, WHO noted that some affected communities are located close to international borders, increasing the importance of coordinated surveillance and cross-border disease-control measures.
WHO Assesses Regional Risk as Moderate
On October 27, 2026, WHO assessed the overall public health risk associated with the yellow fever situation as moderate at the regional level, while maintaining that the global risk remains low.
The organisation said continued transmission and additional infections in the African region were considered likely, particularly where immunity gaps, environmental conditions and operational challenges could undermine outbreak-control efforts.
WHO and its partners are supporting affected countries through enhanced disease surveillance, laboratory testing, active case identification, public awareness campaigns and vaccination activities in affected and high risk communities.
The organisation also emphasized the need for stronger cross border cooperation, timely information sharing and adequate supplies of vaccines and other essential medical resources.
Yellow Fever Prevention and Vaccination Remain Critical
Yellow fever is an acute viral disease transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea and weakness. Severe infections may lead to jaundice, internal bleeding, organ failure and death.
Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against the disease. A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine generally provides lifelong protection for most people.
Public health authorities also recommend reducing mosquito exposure through the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, protective clothing, mosquito repellents and the elimination of stagnant water around homes and communities.
For Nigeria and other affected African countries, the latest WHO figures highlight the importance of maintaining strong routine immunisation programmes, improving public awareness and strengthening disease surveillance to prevent further infections.
As yellow fever continues to pose a threat in parts of the continent, sustained investment in vaccination, healthcare infrastructure and regional cooperation will be essential to protecting vulnerable populations and limiting the spread of the disease.