Benin: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Yellow fever — vaccination‑card checks removed at points of entry (Benin)
On 16 September 2026 the Government of Benin published a notice stating that vaccination‑card checks, including checks for yellow fever vaccination, are no longer performed at the airport, seaports and land borders; the notice is posted on the official e‑visa portal. Benin e‑Visa notice (16 Sep 2026). The ministry explicitly retained the right to reinstate checks during a public‑health emergency and continues to recommend yellow fever vaccination for travelers in line with the International Health Regulations. Local report summarising the ministry notice.
Ebola (Bundibugyo) — imported case in Nigeria; Benin places borders on heightened alert (regional)
Nigeria confirmed an imported Ebola (Bundibugyo) case on 20 October 2026; the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported the laboratory confirmation and that contact tracing and an Incident Management System were activated. NCDC Ebola situation report (24 Oct 2026). Following that confirmation, Benin’s health authorities moved to a pre‑alert posture and strengthened surveillance and control measures at Cotonou airport and other points of entry, while saying no confirmed Ebola cases were present in Benin at the time. Benin media: minister inspects preventative measures (Oct 21–23, 2026).
Lassa fever — high activity in neighbouring Nigeria (regional)
Nigeria has reported substantial Lassa fever activity through epidemiological weeks in 2026, with national situation reports documenting more than 1,100 confirmed cases and a rising case‑fatality ratio by late September–early October 2026. NCDC Lassa situation report (Epi week 40, Sep–Oct 2026). Benin and regional public‑health actors have highlighted the ongoing Lassa risk in West Africa and are participating in preparedness and research efforts; Benin media and regional health bodies are advising vigilance because of cross‑border movement. Local reporting on regional Lassa preparedness (Oct 13, 2026).
Poliovirus (cVDPV2) — international concern; detections associated with regional transmission
The WHO’s Polio IHR Emergency Committee (25 August 2026) maintained that poliovirus international spread continues to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and noted circulating vaccine‑derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) detections associated with transmission linked to Nigeria that have involved neighbouring countries, including Togo and Benin. WHO statement (25 Aug 2026). Travelers and clinicians should be aware of WHO/temporary recommendations and ensure routine polio immunizations are up to date; official travel‑health pages for Benin reiterate the global polio concern. CDC travel information for Benin (updated Sep 2026).
Dengue — ongoing local transmission documented by surveillance and imported cases
Local clinicians and health commentators in Benin have reported substantial, under‑recognised dengue transmission in urban areas (for example, Cotonou) during 2026. Local health commentary on dengue and other arboviruses (Aug 11, 2026). National surveillance in Europe has also detected multiple dengue infections imported from West Africa, and France’s public‑health bulletin (publication 2 Sep 2026) lists Benin among countries that were sources for imported dengue cases to France during May–Aug 2026, supporting evidence of active transmission in the region. Santé publique France arbovirus bulletin (2 Sep 2026). Travelers should take mosquito‑bite prevention measures and consult local health guidance; diagnostic capacity and reporting may be limited.
This page is a dated snapshot of disease events and control measures affecting travelers to Benin as reported by official and reputable sources on or before October 27, 2026. Conditions and entry requirements can change quickly; check the Benin Ministry of Health and international health agencies for the latest travel‑health advice before you depart. Benin Ministry of Health (official site).