Colombia Declares Health Emergency Amid Deadly Yellow Fever Outbreak

Colombia has officially declared a health and economic emergency in response to a severe outbreak of yellow fever, prompting urgent vaccination campaigns and travel warnings for the population. The government made this announcement as it reported a significant rise in both infections and fatalities linked to the disease.

Health Minister Guillermo Jaramillo stated that since the beginning of the year, the country has recorded 74 confirmed cases of yellow fever, resulting in at least 34 deaths. This alarming statistic translates to a mortality rate approaching 50 percent, underscoring the outbreak's severity.

Yellow fever, a viral disease transmitted primarily by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes, manifests through symptoms such as fever, nausea, headaches, and muscle pain. Although many cases exhibit mild symptoms, a considerable number can lead to severe illness, characterized by jaundice and internal bleeding.

With the current outbreak showing higher-than-usual fatality rates, the government is urging citizens to get vaccinated, particularly ahead of the Easter holiday, a time when travel often increases. Jaramillo noted that the virus is spreading beyond traditionally recognized risk areas, posing a threat to additional communities.

The situation is particularly critical in the Tolima coffee-growing region, where confirmed yellow fever cases have surged from four to 22 between September and mid-April. In light of this increase, health officials will now be checking vaccination records at all points of entry and exit in the country.

President Gustavo Petro has also declared an economic emergency and reiterated the importance of vaccination, advising unvaccinated individuals to avoid high-risk areas, particularly in the central coffee-growing zone. He attributed the outbreak's expansion to climate change, noting that rising temperatures are allowing the Aedes aegypti mosquito to thrive in higher altitudes.

As the government implements measures to contain this outbreak, it emphasizes the importance of public health and preventive actions to protect the population from further spread. The call for vaccinations and awareness of the disease's symptoms are crucial steps in combating this public health crisis.