Study Warns of Rising Yellow Fever (YFV) Threat Amid Global Trends
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A recent study published in npj Viruses warns that global trends such as urbanization, increased international travel, and the expansion of mosquito habitats are heightening the risk of yellow fever (YFV) spreading beyond its current endemic regions. Yellow fever (YF), caused by YFV, is an acute viral illness primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in urban environments. Unlike other mosquito-borne diseases, humans infected with YFV are efficient amplifiers, allowing the virus to spread rapidly in cities.
Historically, yellow fever spread from Africa to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. Though an effective vaccine was developed in the 1930s, and mosquito eradication efforts in the Western Hemisphere curbed the virus for decades, recent outbreaks in Africa have raised concerns. These epidemics are attributed to factors such as human population growth, inadequate vaccine coverage, and poor mosquito control.
The study highlights the Asia-Pacific region as highly vulnerable, with over two billion people living in areas infested with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and no natural immunity to YFV. Increased international travel by unvaccinated individuals could lead to the virus reaching non-endemic areas, sparking potential outbreaks.
While the World Health Organization’s “Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics” initiative aims to curb the spread, the study emphasizes the need for enhanced vaccine access, better mosquito control, and improved surveillance. Researchers also call for more investment in alternative vaccine platforms and mosquito control strategies. The authors warn that if yellow fever were to spread in today’s world, its high fatality rate could result in a global health crisis even worse than COVID-19.
References: Gubler DJ, Hanley KA, Monath TP, et al. Yellow Jack: a modern threat to Asia-Pacific countries? npj Viruses, 2025, DOI: 10.1038/s44298-024-00079-5, https://www.nature.com/articles/s44298-024-00079-5
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