top of page
Writer's pictureAway Clinic
Jan 3, 20232 min read

2022 year-end update on the outbreak of yellow fever in Central Africa

Updated: Jul 24, 2023

The following chart from WHO actually shows 2021 and 2022 cases. There were 40 yellow fever deaths recorded in Africa during these two years.

WHO Figure 2. Distribution of YF probable and confirmed cases by district (administrative level 1) in 14 countries in the WHO African Region between 1 January 2021 and 7 November 2022).

According to the World Health Organization, 12 African countries reported cases of yellow fever in 2022. African countries reporting yellow fever cases include the following:

  • Cameroon

  • Central African Republic (CAR)

  • Chad

  • Côte d'Ivoire

  • Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

  • Ghana

  • Kenya

  • Niger

  • Nigeria

  • Republic of the Congo

  • Sierra Leone

  • Uganda

Yellow fever disproportionately affected men (ratios = 1.3 in 2021 and 1.6 in 2022). The majority of the cases were in younger populations, possibly because younger generations are less exposed to the disease. Total rate of childhood vaccination in Africa is 48%, which is quite a bit lower than the 80% needed for general community immunity.


Yellow fever is a viral illness that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is found in tropical areas of Africa and South America, although cases have also been reported in other parts of the world. The symptoms of yellow fever can range from mild to severe and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, loss of appetite, and fatigue. In severe cases, yellow fever can lead to jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), kidney failure, and death.


There is no specific treatment for yellow fever, so prevention is the best way to protect yourself from the disease. The most effective way to prevent yellow fever is to get vaccinated. The yellow fever vaccine is safe and effective and is recommended for travelers to areas where yellow fever is found. A yellow immunization card, showing proof of yellow fever vaccination, is also required for travel to many countries in Africa. In addition to getting vaccinated, you can also reduce your risk of contracting yellow fever by taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms.


Away Clinic offers the yellow fever vaccine at all of its Arizona travel clinics.

Comments

bottom of page