Yellow fever
Yellow fever (YF) is a vaccine preventable viral infection spread predominantly by certain species of day biting mosquitoes. Most people who get YF either have no symptoms or a mild illness and then fully recover. A small proportion of patients develop a severe illness with fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding and organ failure. The death rate is high in those who develop severe disease.
YF is a risk in some parts of Africa, South and Central America and in Trinidad (Caribbean). Areas with a risk of YF transmission are countries (or areas within countries) where mosquito species known to transmit the disease are present and where the infection is reported in monkeys and/or humans.
YF is rare in international travellers. The most recent reported case in the UK was in 2018 in a traveller who had returned from Brazil. Prior to that, the last reported case in the UK was acquired by a laboratory technician working with the virus in London in the 1930s.
Between 1970 and 2015, eleven YF cases were reported in travellers from Europe and the United States who visited risk areas. From 2016 to 2018 an increase in travel associated cases was seen, mostly linked to outbreaks in Brazil and Angola. More than 35 unvaccinated travellers who were residents of non-endemic areas or countries (including at least 13 European travellers and one American traveller) contracted YF.
The risk of contracting YF is determined by the following factors:
- Travel destination.
- Intensity of YF transmission in the area to be visited.
- Season of travel (most cases in travellers have occurred in the late rainy season to early dry season).
- Duration of travel.
- Activities allowing exposure to mosquitoes.
- Immunisation status.
In order to prevent the international spread of YF, under International Health Regulations, countries may require proof of vaccination, recorded in an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). Country specific certificate requirements can be found in our Country Information pages.
Prevention
Those visiting YF risk areas should practise meticulous mosquito bite avoidance.
Yellow fever vaccine
A highly effective live YF vaccine is available and in general vaccination is recommended for all persons visiting countries where there is a risk of YF virus transmission. Very rarely yellow fever vaccination is associated with serious adverse reactions. Prior to vaccination a careful risk assessment is required that takes into account:
- Risk of disease to the individual.
- Certificate requirements for vaccination according to International Health Regulations.
- Risk of complications following vaccination.
Vaccine schedule
| Vaccine | Schedule | Age range |
| Stamaril® | Single dose | Minimum age 9 months. Seek medical advice for infants 6-8 months who are travelling to a high-risk area |
A four-week minimum interval period should be observed between the administration of yellow fever and measles, mumps and rubella containing vaccines (MMR or MMRV). There is some data to suggest co-administration of these vaccines can lead to sub-optimal antibody responses to yellow fever, mumps and rubella antigens. Where protection is required rapidly then the vaccines should be given at any interval. In this situation, an additional dose of MMR-containing vaccine should be considered and re-vaccination with the yellow fever vaccine can also be considered on a case-by-case basis for those at ongoing risk. A minimum four-week interval should be observed for the additional dose.
Contraindications
YF vaccine should not be given to the following:- Infants less than six months of age.
- Persons with a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of YF vaccine or any of the components of the vaccine (see below for egg allergy).
- Persons who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) due to a congenital condition, disease process or treatment.
- Persons with a history of a thymus disorder* or removal of the thymus gland (thymectomy) for any reason including incidental thymectomy (e.g. during cardiac surgery).
- Persons who have a first-degree** family history of yellow fever vaccine-associated viscerotropic disease (YEL-AVD) or yellow fever vaccine- associated neurological disease (YEL-AND) following vaccination that was not related to a known medical risk factor (i.e. in case of an unidentified genetic predisposition).
- Persons over the age of 60 years who are travelling to areas with low potential for YF exposure where vaccination is 'generally not' recommended or not recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
*including myasthenia gravis and thymoma
**close blood relative - parents, full siblings, or children
Egg allergy: Studies have shown detectable egg protein in YF vaccines available in the UK, and there is evidence that this can cause hypersensitivity reactions in some individuals with egg allergy. Specific guidance is available in the UK Health Security 'green book' chapter.
Precautions
For those with a febrile illness (fever) or who are acutely unwell, YF vaccination should be postponed until full recovery.
YF vaccination may be considered for the following groups (expert opinion may be advisable, see resources below for details on adverse events):
- Breast feeding women.
- Infants aged six to eight months.
- Individuals aged 60 years and older (see also contraindications for those going to areas where vaccination is 'generally not' recommended or not recommended by WHO).
- Those taking low dose steroid or non-biological oral immune modulating drugs.
- Individuals living with HIV (with a CD4 count greater than 200 and a suppressed viral load, specialist advice should be sought).
- Pregnant women.
Length of protection
With some exceptions, a single dose of YF vaccine appears to confer life-long protective immunity against YF disease. Reinforcing immunisation (booster dose) should be offered to a small subset of travellers who may be at continued risk see UK Health Security Agency guidance.
According to WHO, from 11 July 2016, the yellow fever vaccination certificate will be valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. As a consequence, a valid certificate, presented by arriving travellers, cannot be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate; and that boosters or revaccination cannot be required. See WHO Amendment to International Health Regulations (2005), Annex 7 (yellow fever).
Individual country certificate requirements should be checked on our Country Information pages.
Resources
- More detailed information can be found in our Yellow fever factsheet
- UK Health Security Agency: 'Green book' Immunisation against infectious disease. Yellow fever chapter
- Further details on yellow fever vaccine can be found on the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) on the electronic medicines compendium
- Public Health England, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, NaTHNaC and Health Protection Scotland joint letter: Yellow fever vaccine: stronger precautions in people with weakened immunity and those aged 60 years or older
- Yellow fever: information for travellers leaflet
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Recent News on Yellow fever
Yellow fever update
Yellow fever cases continue to be reported in Africa and South America
Updated: 21 July 2026Changes to country yellow fever certificate requirements
Important reminder to look out for updates to country yellow fever certificate requirements
Updated: 10 September 2025Yellow fever vaccine: supply update
Temporary disruption in supply of yellow fever vaccine (Stamaril) in the UK
Updated: 06 August 2025Health professionals: ICVP printing issue – action required
A batch of the 2024 International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis has a printing error
Updated: 26 April 2024Recent Yellow fever Outbreaks
Yellow fever in Ghana
As of 8 October 2026, Ghana's Ministry of Health has reported three confirmed fatal yellow fever cases in Upper West Region. An emergency response, including deployment of rapid response teams and a targeted vaccination campaign, is ongoing. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Yellow fever in Côte d'Ivoire
Between 1 January and 23 August 2026, a total of 14 yellow fever cases, with two deaths, have been reported in eight health districts of Côte d'Ivoire. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Yellow fever in Venezuela
As of 29 August 2026, a total of nine yellow fever cases, with three deaths, have been reported in four states of Venezuela during 2026: Aragua, Barinas, Lara and Monagas. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
As of 13 March 2026, a total of 38 confirmed cases of yellow fever (including 19 deaths) have been reported in Venezuela since January 2025. Cases have been reported from Amazonas, Apure, Aragua, Barinas, Bolívar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Guárico, Lara, Mérida, Monagas, Portuguesa, Táchira, and Trujillo. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: PAHOAs of 25 February 2026, a total of 36 confirmed yellow fever cases have been reported in Venezuela since this outbreak began in June 2025. These cases were in 42 municipalities across 14 states. 61% of cases have been reported in Apure, Táchira, Lara, Mérida, Barinas, Portuguesa, Cojedes and Guárico. Cases have been noted in parts of Lara and Aragua states where yellow fever vaccination is not usually recommended. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 25 February 2026, a total of 36 confirmed yellow fever cases have been reported in Venezuela since this outbreak began in June 2025. These cases were in 42 municipalities across 14 states. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateYellow fever in Colombia
As of 28 July 2026, a total of 56 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 28 deaths, have been reported since the start of the year. This brings the total confirmed cases since 2024 to 204 (91 deaths). The Department of Tolima has reported the majority of cases. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
As of 28 June 2026, a total of 53 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 26 deaths, have been reported since the start of the year. This brings the total confirmed cases since 2024 to 201 (89 deaths). The Department of Tolima has reported the majority of cases. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 14 June 2026, a total of 51 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 24 deaths have been reported since the start of the year. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateIn 2026, up to 6 April, 35 confirmed yellow fever cases including 18 deaths have been reported in Colombia. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 17 March 2026, 390 probable and 30 confirmed cases of yellow fever have been reported in Colombia during 2026. All cases so far in 2026 have been reported in Tolima. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 8 February 2026, a total of 168 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 76 deaths, have now been reported in Colombia since this outbreak began in 2024. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateBetween 2024 and 21 January 2026, a total of 157 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 70 deaths, were reported in Colombia. The departments of Caldas, Caquetá, Cauca, Guaviare, Huila, Meta, Nariño, Putumayo, Tolima and Vaupes have all reported fatal cases. Tolima department remains the most affected with 137 cases (55 deaths). Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateBetween 2024 and 4 January 2026, a total of 142 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 63 deaths, were reported in Colombia. The departments of Caldas, Caquetá, Cauca, Guaviare, Huila, Meta, Nariño, Putumayo, Tolima and Vaupes have all reported fatal cases. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 19 October 2025, a total of 136 confirmed yellow fever cases (60 deaths), have been reported in Colombia during 2024/25. The majority of cases have been reported in Tolima Department with 116 cases and 45 deaths. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 23 September 2025, a total of 134 confirmed yellow fever cases (58 deaths), have been reported in Colombia during 2025. The majority of cases have been reported in Tolima Department with 114 cases and 43 deaths. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 31 July 2025, a total of 125 confirmed yellow fever cases, and 53 deaths, have now been reported in Colombia. The majority of cases have been reported in Tolima Department with 105 cases and 38 deaths. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 23 July 2025, a total of 103 confirmed yellow fever cases, with 37 deaths, have now been reported in Tolima Department. A public vaccination campaign is ongoing, with more than 728,000 doses of yellow fever vaccine administered. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 26 May 2025, a total of 97 cases of yellow fever have been reported since the start of 2024. Most cases have been reported in Tolima (78 cases). Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 29 April 2025, the Ministry of Health have reported 83 yellow fever cases, including 37 deaths, since the start of 2024. 60 of these cases (24 deaths) have been recorded in 2025. 10 departments have reported cases with Tolima and Putumayo most affected. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateOn 15 April 2025, the local authorities in Tolima reported a total of 57 yellow fever cases, with 23 deaths, in the department. Local vaccination campaigns are underway in Tolima. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateOn 27 March 2025, the local authorities in Tolima reported a total of 44 yellow fever cases, with 19 deaths, in Tolima. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateAs of 11 March 2025, a total of 40 confirmed yellow fever cases, with 19 deaths, have been reported in Colombia since 2024. The outbreak is still active in Tolima, where 29 cases and 12 deaths have been recorded between September 2024 and February 2025. Cases have also been confirmed in Caquetá, Huila, Nariño, Putumayo and Vaupés. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: PAHOAs of 14 February 2025, a total of eight confirmed cases of yellow fever, with two deaths have been reported in the department of Tolima since the beginning of 2025. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: PAHOOn 11 February 2025, the local authorities in Tolima issued an 'Orange' hospital alert due to an increase in yellow fever cases reported in Tolima since 2024. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: StateIn 2024, a total of 23 confirmed cases of yellow fever were reported, including 13 deaths. Since the start of 2025, a total of eight confirmed cases have been reported, including two deaths. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: PAHOAs of 7 November 2024, 26 cases of yellow fever have been reported during 2024. Most cases have been reported from Tolima province. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on yellow fever.
Source: State
