Experts Warn of Potential Yellow Fever Spread

Health experts and the World Health Organization (WHO) are raising the alarm about the risk of yellow fever outbreaks across multiple African nations. According to recent WHO data, 13 countries in the African Region have reported confirmed or probable yellow fever cases since early 2023 — including Burkina Faso, Chad, Nigeria, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.One of the major concerns is the persistence of Aedes mosquito populations, which thrive in urban settings. These day-biting mosquitoes can rapidly amplify transmission, especially in densely populated areas where immunity is low or vaccination coverage is patchy. In some regions, immunity gaps persist despite mass vaccination efforts, leaving populations vulnerable to potential outbreaks.WHO also warns that rapid urbanization, cross-border movement, and increasing human–mosquito contact heighten the risk of transmission. Experts say that without sustained vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and vector control, isolated cases could quickly escalate. To avert a major crisis, public health authorities are calling for stronger vaccination coverage, particularly in high-risk areas, as well as enhanced surveillance systems and lab capacity.Countries are also being urged to coordinate across borders and step up preventive measures before the virus spreads further.