NIGERIA, EIGHT OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES RECORD 67 YELLOW FEVER CASES, 18 DEATHS

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Agency Report

The World Health Organisation has reported 67 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 18 deaths, across Nigeria and eight other African countries between January 1 and October 12, 2026.

In its latest situation report released on Friday, the WHO listed the affected countries as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo.

According to the organisation, recent outbreak activities have been concentrated in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Liberia, including communities close to international borders.

The WHO identified occupational and environmental exposures, particularly activities around forested areas, mining sites and other outdoor occupations, as significant risk factors for yellow fever infection.

It warned that frequent cross-border movements, the presence of mosquito vectors capable of transmitting the virus and uneven vaccination coverage could increase transmission and facilitate the spread of the disease.

The agency said affected countries, with support from the WHO and its partners, were strengthening surveillance, investigating cases, conducting laboratory tests and intensifying active case detection.

“Other response measures include risk communication, community engagement and vaccination activities targeting affected communities and areas considered at increased risk of infection,” it said.

The WHO said it assessed the overall public health risk posed by the ongoing yellow fever situation as moderate at the regional level as of October 27, 2026.

However, it maintained that the global public health risk associated with the situation remained low.

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