Colombia declares a national health emergency due to an increase in yellow fever cases
The National Government declares a public health emergency due to the active circulation of the yellow fever virus in several regions of the country and the risk of its spread to urban centers. The measure seeks to protect the lives of the population, contain the spread of the virus, and mitigate its potential effects on public health.
The urgent call to citizens to get vaccinated against yellow fever starting at 9 months of age, including those over 59, is reiterated. Between September 2024 and today, 75 cases and 34 deaths have been confirmed in the country, representing a cumulative fatality rate of 45.3%.
The cases are distributed in nine (9) departments: To date, cases of yellow fever have been confirmed in the departments of Tolima (59 cases), Putumayo (7), Nariño (2), Caquetá (2), Huila (1), Vaupés (1), Cauca (1), Meta (1) and Caldas (1). Deaths associated with the disease have been recorded in eight departments: Tolima (23 deaths), Putumayo (5), Caquetá (1), Nariño (1), Caldas (1), Cauca (1), Huila (1) and Meta (1).
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. In the first 24 hours, symptoms such as fever, headache, and malaise may manifest. In the following 72 hours, symptoms often intensify with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Starting on the fifth day, signs such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and bleeding may appear, which can lead to death in unvaccinated individuals.
It is a highly vaccine-preventable disease, and its mortality rate ranges between 40% and 50%.
Read more of the declaration HERE