The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the African countries grappling with cases of yellow fever between 2023 and February 2024, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Thirteen nations in Africa, including the DRC, have documented probable and confirmed instances of yellow fever during this period. Despite WHO’s assessment of moderate regional risk and low global risk, maintaining active surveillance is essential due to potential transmission risks during travel and the presence of the disease-carrying vector in neighboring areas.
Notably, the urban proliferation of Aedes spp. mosquitoes, known for daytime biting, significantly contributes to the disease’s transmission, particularly in densely populated regions where rapid epidemics can occur. Yellow fever, transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes infected with the arbovirus, is an illness with epidemic potential, yet it is preventable through vaccination.
In December 2023, the DRC reported a PCR-positive yellow fever case with an unknown vaccination status. Additionally, nine cases were confirmed via PRNT, although medical records lacked crucial data. From the last quarter of 2023 to February 25, 2024, eight countries, including the DRC, reported active yellow fever transmission with confirmed cases, necessitating the implementation of response measures.
Symptoms of yellow fever vary from fever and muscle aches to headache and nausea. Strengthening awareness and vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas is crucial for health authorities to contain the disease’s spread. Collaborative efforts among affected countries are vital for effective management and preventing future epidemics.
Addressing yellow fever in the DRC and other impacted nations is a significant public health concern. Sustained surveillance, vaccination drives, and awareness initiatives are key to controlling the disease’s spread and safeguarding at-risk populations.