The Africa Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) recently released an update on the yellow fever In the region.
In 2022, 12 countries in the WHO African Region reported outbreaks of yellow fever (Cameroon, Central African Republic (RCA), Chad, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), Ghana, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone et Uganda). Eight of these countries have seen continued transmission since 2021 (Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Ghana, Nigeria and Republic of Congo) and four countries are reporting confirmed cases recently (Kenya, Niger, Sierra Leone and Uganda). One country, Gabon, reported cases in 2021, but no further cases were recorded in 2022, indicating the end of the epidemic in Gabon.
From 1 January 2021 to 19 December 2022, a total of 203 confirmed cases and 252 probable cases with 40 deaths (CFR 9%) were reported to WHO by 13 countries in the WHO African Region, with an additional 49 specimens positive in the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) currently awaiting classification.
Overall YF vaccination coverage in the region is not sufficient to ensure herd immunity. According to WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC) estimates, in 2021, routine yellow fever vaccination coverage in the African region for childhood vaccinations was 48%, well below the 80% threshold required to confer population immunity against yellow fever, indicating the presence of an underlying population susceptible to yellow fever and a risk of ongoing transmission. Country vaccination coverages are estimated as follows for 2021: Cameroon (54%), Central African Republic (41%), Chad (45%), Congo (67%), Côte d’Ivoire (65%), Democratic Republic of Congo (56%), Gabon (64%), Ghana (94%), Kenya (7%), Niger (80%), Nigeria (63%) and Sierra Leone 85%, (Uganda not appreciated).
Source : Outbreak News Today.