Yellow Fever: A Re-Emerging Threat

Abstract

Yellow fever (YF) is arguably one of the most notorious infectious diseases in the world. The disease is not only fatal to the human but also several primate species many of which are endangered by now. YF is caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV). While YFV was one of the most feared infectious diseases in the 18th and 19th century, the overall disease burden has been greatly reduced through an effective vector (mosquito) control and the development of the live-attenuated vaccine, YFV-17D. However, recent outbreaks in previously non-endemic areas have risen intense awareness among scientists and the public and remind us that YFV cannot be forgotten and containing it needs to remain a global health priority. Notably, the 11 imported yellow fever cases to China; hence the whole Asia-Pacific region, in 2016 alone, highlight that YFV may pose a threat to a large population which is intensified by increasing human migration and an extremely low vaccination rate. This paper assesses the possibility of a new round of epidemics of YFV, indicating that the virus should indeed be recognized as a re-emerging threat, and offers suggestions on how to prevent it. Stricter vaccine regulation and border check should be applied, as well as further research into alternative vaccines. More attention and efforts should be paid to fighting against the disease.