UK travellers warned as cases of fatal disease surge

Brits with travel plans to certain destinations have been put on alert as cases of a dangerous viral illness have surged in recent years. In 2025, yellow fever cases rocketed to 5.6 times the number recorded the year before. Yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes across parts of Africa, Central and South America, and in Trinidad in the Caribbean. The disease can trigger severe illness that may prove fatal. In a fresh update, Travel Health Pro warned that yellow fever poses a risk across 13 countries and territories within South and Central America. A significant number of cases were recorded from this region in 2025 , with 346 confirmed human cases (including 143 deaths) spanning seven countries. This represents a 5.6-fold increase in cases compared to 2024. Since the start of 2026, a total of 41 confirmed cases (including 18 deaths) have been reported across four countries: Bolivia, Colombia , Peru and Venezuela. In 2024, the vast majority of yellow fever cases were recorded in the Amazon region. However, Travel Health Pro warned: "While yellow fever (YF) cases continue to be reported in this area, cases have since been reported in a wider geographic area, outside the Amazon region. "This includes in Sao Paulo State in Brazil and Tolima Department in Colombia. In addition, reports suggest recent human YF cases in Venezuela have occurred in an area that had not previously been considered a risk for YF disease. "Risk of YF outbreaks in South America remains high. An outbreak in Colombia has been ongoing since mid-2024, with 153 confirmed cases (including 62 deaths) reported. The confirmed reporting of YF cases in a wider geographic area, including cases related to jungle transmission near to urban centres, increases the risk of urban outbreaks." Yellow fever cases are also being recorded across African nations. Travel Health Pro warned: "The risk of YF transmission remains high in endemic areas of Africa. The mosquitoes that transmit YF are common in many urban areas in Africa. "This significantly increases the risk of YF spreading, especially in heavily populated areas, which could lead to the rapid onset of YF outbreaks." Before you travel, you should check your risk of yellow fever, vaccine recommendations and any certificate requirements at your destination. You can do this using the TravelHealthPro Country Information pages. The site said: “YF vaccine is recommended for all travellers aged nine months and older, travelling to a country or area with a risk of yellow fever transmission (unless the vaccine is not advised for medical reasons). “Some countries may require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever from travellers arriving in the country. You should be aware that even if a country does not require a YF ICVP, there could still be a risk of YF, and YF vaccine may be recommended for your own personal protection.” However, the yellow fever vaccine is not available for free on the NHS , so you'll have to pay for it. It typically costs around £60 to £85. You can find your nearest vaccine centre online here . You should also follow mosquito bite avoidance advice, which is provided online here . According to the NHS, yellow fever symptoms usually start three to six days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, but sometimes they can take longer to appear. Some yellow fever symptoms are similar to flu, such as: High temperature Headache Feeling or being sick Aches and pains Loss of appetite Feeling generally unwell These symptoms often last three or four days. But a small number of people get more serious symptoms within 24 hours of feeling better. More serious symptoms include: Yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice) Dark pee Stomach pain Bleeding from your eyes, nose, mouth or stomach – you may have blood in your vomit or poo The NHS says: “These more serious symptoms can be fatal.” You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you feel unwell after travelling to a country where yellow fever is found.