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UK residents planning to travel to certain destinations have been put on alert as cases of a dangerous viral illness have grown in recent years. Compared to the previous year, when yellow fever cases had grown 5.6 times. The yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes across parts of Africa, Central and South America, and more. This disease can trigger severe illness that can be a life threat.

Here’s everything you need to know about the UK travellers’ alert and more.

UK Travellers on Alert

In the latest Travel Health Pro update, a warning of yellow fever poses a risk across 13 countries and territories within South and Central America. Since the start of 2026, a total of 41 confirmed cases, including 18 deaths, have been reported across Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela.

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What is Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is an acute, serious, mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the yellow fever virus. It is characterised by high fever, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), headache, and bleeding, with severe cases potentially leading to organ failure and death.

UK Regions at Alert

The cases of Yellow fever 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 risked the spread of yellow fever in the heavily populated areas. 

Advice for Travellers

The advice issued for travellers is that before travelling, you should check the risk of yellow fever, vaccine recommendations, and any certificates required at your destination.

However, the vaccine is recommended for all travellers aged 9 months and older, travelling to a country or area with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Symptoms of Yellow Fever

Yellow fever symptoms usually start 3 to 6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, but sometimes the symptoms can take longer to appear. Some of the symptoms are:

High temperature

Headache

Feeling or being sick

Aches and pains

Loss of appetite

Feeling generally unwell

However, some of the major and serious symptoms are:

Yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)

Dark pee

Stomach pain

Bleeding from your eyes, nose, and mouth

These serious symptoms can be fatal, and you should ask for urgent treatment if you feel unwell after travelling to areas where yellow fever is found.