Yellow fever is making a troubling comeback across Africa and the Americas, prompting fresh warnings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) over the risks posed by low vaccination coverage, climate change, and expanding mosquito habitats.
In a global update released on Wednesday, the WHO said transmission remained active throughout the first months of 2026, following a significant resurgence in the Americas last year.
Between January and May, six countries in the Americas reported 79 confirmed cases, while three African countries recorded 16 confirmed infections, with additional suspected cases under investigation. Health authorities also detected multiple outbreaks among non-human primates, an important indicator of ongoing viral circulation.
The mosquito-borne disease remains endemic in tropical regions of Africa and South America. Although many infections are mild, severe cases can cause jaundice, internal bleeding, and organ failure, with fatality rates reaching up to 50%.
The WHO warned that unvaccinated populations remain particularly vulnerable.
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