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Travel warning: High-risk countries for yellow fever

Updated: Feb 26


US Army provides essential vaccines worldwide. Photo from U.S. Army medical researchers participating in World Malaria Day 2010 in Kisumu, Kenya. Photo: US Army, Flickr CC BY 2.0
US Army provides essential vaccines worldwide. Photo from U.S. Army medical researchers participating in World Malaria Day 2010 in Kisumu, Kenya. Photo: US Army, Flickr CC BY 2.0

Yellow fever is a serious mosquito-borne disease prevalent in parts of Africa and South America.


The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates approximately 200,000 yellow fever cases and 30,000 deaths annually worldwide based on available data, though the actual numbers may vary due to underreporting and misdiagnosis in some regions. Several factors contribute to these estimates:

Underreporting: Yellow fever is often misdiagnosed as other diseases with similar symptoms (e.g., malaria, dengue, or hepatitis). This can lead to fewer cases being officially reported.

Limited Surveillance: Some areas with yellow fever outbreaks lack effective health surveillance systems, making it difficult to track every case or death.

Geographic Focus: Yellow fever primarily affects tropical regions in Africa and South America, where health infrastructure may be inadequate to report or treat all cases.

Preventive Measures: Vaccination campaigns have significantly reduced the number of cases and deaths, but in areas with low vaccination coverage, outbreaks still occur, leading to the ongoing estimation of high incidence.

Global Monitoring: The WHO uses available data, studies, and reports from governments and health organizations to make informed estimates, acknowledging that the numbers are rough and may fluctuate.


High-risk countries Costa Rica is among several countries that have sent a warning about yellow fever and require a vaccation. To stay protected, getting vaccinated is essential before traveling to high-risk regions.

These countries include Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of South Sudan, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.


The vaccine typically costs between $150 and $250, depending on the country and clinic. Photo: Agência Brasil Fotografias, Wikipedia, CC BY 2.0
The vaccine typically costs between $150 and $250, depending on the country and clinic. Photo: Agência Brasil Fotografias, Wikipedia, CC BY 2.0

Prevention tips

  • Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.

  • Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves.

  • Carry your vaccination certificate for entry into certain countries.


What is Yellow fever and why is it dangerous?

Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes, mainly in tropical areas of Africa and South America. It poses a serious health threat due to its rapid progression and potential fatality. The disease starts with flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle pain, and nausea. In severe cases, it can lead to jaundice, organ failure, and internal bleeding, with a fatality rate of up to 50% in these cases.

The disease has no specific cure, making prevention vital. Vaccination offers lifelong immunity and is required for entry into certain countries. Additional precautions, like using mosquito repellents and protective clothing, can help reduce the risk.

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