The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert Wednesday over a multinational outbreak of yellow fever (YF).
Thirteen different African nations have documented probable and confirmed cases of YF since the start of 2023, WHO wrote in the alert. Those countries were listed as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Togo and Uganda, with an average case fatality rate of 11%.
WHO noted that risk remains low for a pandemic-style situation to erupt but surveillance is key to stopping onward transmission to neighboring or other regions. YF spreads through the bite of infected mosquitos, similar to other global pandemics happening right now.
Due to “suboptimal” surveillance, it is unclear how many people have contracted and/or died of yellow fever since the start of 2023.
‘It’s Just A Matter Of Time’: Scientists Issue Warning As Deadly, Ebola-Like Virus Spreads | @DailyCaller
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YF presents within three to six days of incubation, with symptoms like fever, muscle pain, back pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, WHO described. Some see YF spread to the “toxic phase,” which leads to the infection of the kidneys and liver. Bleeding can happen from the mouth, eyes, nose and stomach, causing death within seven to 10 days. (RELATED: Horrifying Study Suggests Fungal Disease Outbreaks Will Become More Common In Humans)
A coordinated national response plan focused on rolling out vaccine coverage, improved surveillance and preventative measures is already underway. Vector control is also taking place, with the hopes of reducing infected mosquito populations.
At present, WHO is advising against travel and trade restrictions related to the outbreak.