Disease Outbreak: Yellow Fever Spreads Across 13 African Countries
As of February 25, 2024, a concerning surge in yellow fever (YF) cases has gripped 13 nations across the WHO African Region, raising alarm bells among health authorities. The affected countries include Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.
Preliminary data from 2023 paints a grim picture, with an alarming case fatality rate (CFR) of 11%. The situation is exacerbated by suboptimal surveillance capacities in many affected regions, leading to underreporting and increased mortality rates. Among the confirmed cases, a staggering 69% are aged over 15 years, with a median age of 25 years, indicating a widespread impact across demographics.
Eight countries, including Cameroon, Chad, Congo, DRC, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, and South Sudan, have reported active transmission of yellow fever, sparking urgent response planning activities. However, the situation remains precarious, with several countries awaiting final confirmation through laboratory tests.
In Cameroon, three confirmed cases were identified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, marking consistent transmission throughout 2023. Similarly, Chad reported a PCR-positive case in the Léré district, while the Republic of the Congo is grappling with pending cases awaiting classification.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded one PCR-positive case with unknown vaccination status and nine cases positive through laboratory tests, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive preventive measures.
Guinea reported three confirmed cases, underscoring the resurgence of yellow fever in regions previously affected in 2020 and 2021. Meanwhile, Nigeria and South Sudan continue to investigate confirmed cases reported in Lagos state and Western Equatoria state, respectively.
The WHO-led global Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) secretariat has intensified efforts to curb the spread, with mass vaccination campaigns covering approximately 62 million people in Africa. However, the threat of urban proliferation of Aedes spp. mosquitoes, coupled with travel-related transmission risks, necessitates sustained vigilance and proactive measures to contain the outbreak.
As the situation evolves, health authorities emphasize the importance of robust surveillance, integrated response strategies, and enhanced vaccination coverage to mitigate the impact of yellow fever across the African continent.