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.
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.
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
FAQs
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.
What does Level 2 travel alert mean? ›
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
What vaccines do I need for travel to Nigeria? ›
Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Poliomyelitis; Tetanus; Yellow Fever. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Meningococcal Meningitis; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera.
Is yellow fever vaccine required for travel? ›
Entry requirements: Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission.
Can I travel to Africa without yellow fever vaccine? ›
Which Countries Require Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination (Yellow Card)? Yellow fever occurs in different regions of South America and Africa. Travelers to these regions should get a yellow fever vaccine before traveling. Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry.
What is the life span of yellow fever vaccine in Nigeria? ›
The card's barcode allows for global verification, while its authenticity can be checked on Nigeria's Yellow Card Portal using a six-digit number. The vaccine protects you against yellow fever for the rest of your life, so you will not need to get it again.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 travel advisory? ›
See Travel to High-Risk Areas. Varying Levels: Levels of advice may vary for specific locations or areas within a country. For instance, we may advise U.S. citizens to "Exercise increased caution" (Level 2) in a country, while also advising them to "Reconsider travel" (Level 3) to an area within the country.
What are level 2 countries? ›
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2 countries are those that are fairly safe. However, these countries have a higher chance of disorder or attacks in some areas. Travelers are encouraged to be more alert and aware of their surroundings.
What countries have level 3 travel advisory? ›
Learn about your destination
| Advisory | Level | Date Updated |
|---|
| Guatemala Travel Advisory | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | July 17, 2023 |
| Guyana Travel Advisory | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | September 11, 2024 |
| Haiti Travel Advisory | Level 4: Do Not Travel | July 27, 2023 |
| Honduras Travel Advisory | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | July 17, 2023 |
145 more rowsMalaria remains a significant public health problem in Nigeria with an estimated 65.4 million cases in 2021 (with an incidence rate of 298.6 cases per 1000 popu- lation), resulting in 193,512 deaths. This equates to approximately 30% of the worldwide deaths from malaria.
Nigeria - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Updated with return to full operational status, removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links, and updates to Do Not Travel Areas. Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs. Some areas have increased risk.
How long does a yellow fever vaccine last? ›
In most people one dose of yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection. A booster dose would only be recommended if you had previously been vaccinated in one of the following circ*mstances: while pregnant.
How soon before travel do I need a yellow fever vaccination? ›
You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel to allow enough time for the vaccine to work.
Who cannot take the yellow fever vaccine? ›
Persons with acute/moderate illness (with or without a fever) should postpone receiving this vaccine until they are well. Patients with thymus disorder, such as myasthenia gravis, DiGeorge syndrome, or thymoma or Thymus removed.
Does travel insurance cover yellow fever vaccine? ›
As with many vaccines needed for travel, most medical insurance will not pay for the yellow fever vaccine. Yellow fever is not endemic to the United States and many insurances do not consider it medically necessary. You'll need to pay the full cost of the vaccine and any consultation fees.
What are the requirements to travel to Nigeria from the USA? ›
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages for endorsem*nt.
- Valid return ticket.
- Evidence of sufficient funds.
- Address of host in Nigeria or Evidence of hotel reservation.
- Invitation letter from host in Nigeria.
Nigerian residents and citizens of Nigeria who require proof of yellow fever vaccination must apply for the new e-Yellow Card (for which there is a charge; this is still a paper certificate, but which can be read electronically); the only authorised source of the card is Port Health Services of the Public Health ...
What is the current immunization schedule in Nigeria? ›
IMMUNIZATION HOMEPAGE
| AGE | NAME of VACCINE | ROUTE |
|---|
| 6 Weeks | OPV1 PENTA 1 PCV 13 1 Rotavirus1 | Oral IM IM Oral |
| 10 Weeks | OPV2 Rotavirus2 | Oral Oral |
| 14 Weeks | OPV3 PENTA 2 PCV13 2 | Oral Intramuscular Intramuscular |
| 6 Months | PENTA 3 PCV13 3 Vitamin A (1st dose) | IM IM Oral |
12 more rowsThe yellow fever vaccine protects against yellow fever. It is helpful in two ways – it protects you as an individual against catching the disease for the whole of your life, and also helps to prevent the disease from spreading further around the world.
