Yellow fever in Nigeria

Between 1 January 2021 and 31 July 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 1,082 suspected cases of yellow fever in Nigeria. The disease continues to be transmitted in 37 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.

Yellow fever is widespread in tropical Africa and is transmitted by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes.

Advice for travellers

Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and is found in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America. All travellers to these areas are advised to practice mosquito bite avoidance at all times.

A traveller's risk of yellow fever is determined by their individual risk assessment. Factors that will influence their risk includes: 

• country or countries to be visited 
• length of stay 
• rate of transmission at destination 
• immunisation status 
• planned activities

Unvaccinated travellers that visit yellow fever endemic areas are at risk of becoming infected, so yellow fever vaccine is recommended, unless contraindicated, for travellers at risk.

Further advice and information on yellow fever is available on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 22 September 2021