Key points
- Yellow fever cases remain elevated in Nigeria, after an outbreak was first reported in November 2020.
- Yellow fever is caused by a virus transmitted through bites of infected mosquitoes.
- Travelers to Nigeria should take steps to prevent yellow fever by getting vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.
- Since January 2023, severalstates in Nigeria have reported yellow fever cases (see map). Unless vaccinated, travelers should not visit these areas.
Map: Areas of Nigeria with cases of yellow fever (see larger map)
What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever.
Symptoms of yellow fever (fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle aches) develop 3-6 days after infection. About 15% of people infected with yellow fever virus will develop severe illness that can lead to liver disease, bleeding, shock, organ failure, yellowing skin (jaundice), and sometimes death.
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, laboratory testing, and travel history. Yellow fever virus spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
What is the current situation?
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported yellow fever cases in multiple states as confirmed by testing at the Nigerian National Reference Laboratory. Response activities are underway and mass vaccination campaigns are planned in the affected areas.
What can travelers do to prevent yellow fever?
There are no medications to treat or cure yellow fever. Yellow fever vaccine is the best protection against this disease. Travelers should also use mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito bites.
Although the government of Nigeria only requires that travelers arriving from another country where yellow fever occurs show proof of vaccination, CDC recommends that all travelers 9 months or older going to Nigeria should receive vaccination against yellow fever at least 10 days before travel. Yellow fever is always a risk when traveling in Nigeria, and even more so while yellow fever outbreaks are occurring. A signed and stamped International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP or “Yellow Card”) provides proof of vaccination.
- Contact yellow fever vaccine providers well in advance of travel. Search for a yellow fever vaccination clinic near you.
- Travelers going to places where yellow fever outbreaks are occurring are at increased risk of infection, even if vaccinated in the past. For this reason, if you received yellow fever vaccine 10 or more years ago, talk with a health care professionalabout getting a booster vaccination before traveling anywhere in Nigeria where there is a declared yellow fever outbreak.
- Talk with a health care professional if you have questions about yellow fever vaccine. Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for some people.
- If you cannot be vaccinated against yellow fever (for whatever reason), do not travel to places where yellow fever outbreaks are occurring.
Because mosquitoes spread yellow fever (and other diseases), all travelers to Nigeria should take steps to prevent mosquito bites.
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
- Sleep in an air-conditioned room with the windows closed, a room with window screens, or under an insecticide-treated bed net.
If you get sick during or after travel
Talk to a doctor or nurse if you get sick, especially if you have a fever. Tell them you have been in a country with yellow fever.
Traveler Information
Clinician Information
- Yellow Fever in CDC Yellow Book
- Yellow Fever Vaccine Information for Healthcare Providers
- Yellow Fever Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (MMWR 2010)
