Colombia has reported a sudden spike in yellow fever cases compared to previous years; only two cases were recorded in 2023, with none from 2019 to 2022. The World Health Organization warns of dangerous complications that can arise, stating that approximately 15% of cases transition into a more severe phase, leading to a high risk of mortality within days. Vaccination is the key countermeasure to this outbreak, and authorities are mobilizing efforts to protect the population.
Colombia Faces National Health Emergency Amid Yellow Fever Outbreak
Colombia Faces National Health Emergency Amid Yellow Fever Outbreak
Colombia has declared a health emergency as yellow fever claims at least 34 lives, prompting urgent vaccination efforts nationwide.
The Colombian government has announced a health emergency due to a yellow fever outbreak that has resulted in at least 34 fatalities. Health officials report that 74 cases have been confirmed so far. As Easter approaches—a time when many Colombians travel to high-risk areas—vaccination is crucial, and tourists are required to provide proof of vaccination. Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo has stated that vaccinations are provided free of charge, emphasizing the urgency given the outbreak's high fatality rate of nearly 50% among infected individuals. The most affected region is eastern Tolima province, renowned for its coffee production and tourist attractions. President Gustavo Petro cautioned against unvaccinated individuals visiting these areas, highlighting the potential severity and diagnostic challenges associated with yellow fever, which can present symptoms similar to other illnesses.
