Travellers are being cautioned about the resurgence of a disease transmitted by mosquitos posing a ‘high risk’ in 42 different countries. An alert issued by Travel Health Pro, supported by the Foreign Office, highlights the spread of the virus in regions of Africa, Central and South America, as well as Trinidad in the Caribbean.
Yellow Fever, a potentially fatal illness that can lead to serious hemorrhagic complications, is a significant concern. Health officials stress the importance of yellow fever vaccination and taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites as key preventive measures. Symptoms of the disease include jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and internal bleeding causing severe damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart, with a high mortality rate for those developing severe illness.
Recent data shows an alarming increase in yellow fever cases, with a 5.6-fold rise in reported cases in 2025 compared to the previous year. South and Central America have been particularly affected, with a notable number of cases reported, resulting in fatalities. The risk of yellow fever outbreaks remains high in South America, with ongoing cases reported in Colombia and other countries, exacerbated by factors like reduced vaccination coverage due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Africa, countries continue to report probable and confirmed cases of yellow fever. The risk of transmission remains elevated in endemic areas, with common mosquito vectors present in urban regions, increasing the likelihood of the disease spreading rapidly and leading to outbreaks.
Symptoms of yellow fever vary in severity, with an incubation period of three to six days. Initial signs include muscle pain, high fever, headache, lack of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. For some patients, symptoms improve within a few days, but in severe cases, progression to acute hemorrhagic fever can occur within 24 hours post-recovery, leading to potentially fatal outcomes.
Health organizations emphasize the importance of vigilance and preventive measures in regions at risk for yellow fever transmission to mitigate the spread of the disease and protect public health.
