The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued today a Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions travel notice for Colombia due to increasing numbers of yellow fever.
Most cases are being reported in Tolima, which includes new areas that border areas where vaccination has historically been recommended (see map). Travelers to these newly affected areas are now recommended to get vaccinated.
According to data from the Colombia Instituto Nacional de Salud, in 2026, as of September 8 (preliminary data), 1,183 probable yellow fever cases and 58 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported, with symptom onset dates ranging from January 4 to August 8, 2026.
95.0% of the cases originated in Tolima, 3.44% in Cundinamarca, and 1.56% in Meta.
Colombia declares a National Emergency due to Yellow Fever - 2025
A booster dose may be given to certain travelers or travelers who received their last dose of yellow fever vaccine at least 10 years previously and who will be in a higher-risk setting, such as areas in Colombia where cases have been reported.
Travelers getting vaccinated should:
Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Contact a yellow fever vaccine provider well in advance of travel. Not all providers carry yellow fever vaccine.
Talk with a healthcare professional if they have questions about yellow fever vaccine. Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for some people.
Travelers to any affected areas should take steps to prevent mosquito bites.
Travelers should seek medical care if they develop fever, chills, headache, backache, or muscle aches, during or after travel in an affected area. Travelers should let their healthcare professional know that they’ve been to an area where yellow fever cases are reported.
Yellow fever is a severe viral disease with jaundice and hemorrhagic manifestations that is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Yellow fever vaccine is the best protection against this disease.
Symptoms of yellow fever include fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle aches, and develop 3–6 days after infection. About 15% of people infected with yellow fever virus will develop severe illness that can lead to liver disease, bleeding, shock, organ failure, yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice), and sometimes death.
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, laboratory testing, and travel history. There are no medications to treat or cure yellow fever.