2016 Angola and DR Congo yellow fever outbreak

The 2016 Angola and DR Congo yellow fever outbreak was a significant public health crisis affecting Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). This outbreak was notable for its rapid spread and the challenge it posed to the health systems of the affected countries. Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, characterized by fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. In severe cases, the disease can cause jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure, leading to death.

Background

Yellow fever is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and South America, where the Aedes aegypti mosquito is found. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The 2016 outbreak was particularly alarming due to the urban spread of the disease, facilitated by the high density of the mosquito population and unvaccinated human hosts.

Outbreak

The outbreak began in December 2015 in Angola's capital, Luanda, and quickly spread to other parts of the country and across the border into the DR Congo. By mid-2016, thousands of cases had been reported, with significant fatalities. The outbreak was exacerbated by a global shortage of the yellow fever vaccine, complicating efforts to immunize populations at risk.

Response

In response to the outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners launched an emergency vaccination campaign, targeting millions of people in the affected areas. The campaign faced logistical challenges, including vaccine shortages, which were mitigated by employing a fractional dosing strategy that allowed more individuals to be vaccinated with the available vaccine supply. Additionally, efforts were made to control the mosquito population and to educate the public on preventing mosquito bites.

Impact

The 2016 Angola and DR Congo yellow fever outbreak highlighted the need for improved surveillance, rapid response capabilities, and increased vaccine stockpiles to address future outbreaks. It also underscored the importance of routine immunization programs to prevent the re-emergence of yellow fever in endemic regions.

See Also

• Epidemiology of yellow fever
• Vaccination
• Mosquito-borne disease
• Public health