Yellow Fever
GMJ News knowledge hub · last reviewed August 2026 · Georgian Medical Journal
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Yellow fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes — endemic in 47 countries in Africa and Latin America, with an estimated 200,000 cases and 30,000 deaths per year, 90% in Africa (WHO). A single dose of yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity and is mandatory for travel to endemic countries. The risk of urban yellow fever outbreaks — driven by Aedes aegypti in cities — has grown dramatically as the Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) strategy seeks to vaccinate 1 billion people across 27 countries by 2026.
Key messages
Vaccine-preventable — one dose for life
A single dose of yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity — and is one of the most effective vaccines ever developed. Yet approximately 200,000 cases and 30,000 deaths occur annually because vaccine coverage remains inadequate in endemic zones.
Endemic in 47 countries
Yellow fever is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa (34 countries) and Latin America (13 countries). 90% of yellow fever cases occur in Africa. Urban outbreaks — driven by Aedes aegypti in cities — are the most explosive and feared scenario.
EYE Strategy
The Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) Strategy — a partnership of WHO, UNICEF and GAVI — targets vaccination of more than 1 billion people across 27 countries by 2026, with a stockpile of 6 million emergency doses.
Urban risk
Urban yellow fever — transmitted by Aedes aegypti in cities — is the most dangerous scenario. A single case arriving in a large unvaccinated urban population can trigger a massive outbreak. Angola (2016) and DRC demonstrated this risk.
No treatment — prevention is everything
There is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow fever. Supportive care (fluid replacement, fever management, treatment of haemorrhage) is the mainstay. Prevention through vaccination before exposure is the only effective strategy.
International certificate requirement
Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, ICVP) for travellers arriving from endemic countries. Some countries require it for all travellers regardless of origin.
Key statistics
Yellow fever cases reported to WHO by region 2000-2022
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