Yellow fever situation in Colombia
In the last week, yellow fever indicators have recorded an increase in cases, setting off alarm bells for health authorities.
Yellow fever is a serious disease with a current case fatality rate of 47%. In 2024 and so far in 2025, 70 cases have been confirmed, resulting in 33 deaths.
In 2024, 23 cases were recorded, with 13 deaths, while in 2025 to date, 47 cases have been confirmed, of which 20 have died. Those affected range in age from 11 to 89. The most affected department in 2025 is Tolima, with 41 cases, followed by Caquetá (1), Meta (1), Putumayo (3), and Caldas (1).
It is important to highlight that in addition to the human cases, five cases have been reported in non-human primates in the departments of Tolima and Huila. If primates are found, they should be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities. Do not harm them; these animals do not directly transmit yellow fever; infection occurs through mosquito bites.
“In regions where cases of yellow fever had never been reported, they have already begun to be administered. Previously, vaccinations were given up to those under 59 years of age. In January 2025, we will begin vaccinating people over that age, especially in at-risk areas,” stated the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Dr. Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo.
Yellow fever can be fatal; vaccination saves lives, which is why vaccination coverage has been expanded in these territories to include children as young as 9 months old and adults over 60 years of age.
Thus, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in coordination with local authorities and through its network of more than 3,000 vaccination sites, continues to advance its efforts to contain the yellow fever outbreak until new cases are recorded and vaccination coverage of 95% is reached, especially among the susceptible population in municipalities considered at risk. So far in 2025, 54,269 doses of the vaccine have been administered in priority municipalities and within the epidemiological fence.
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With the arrival of Easter, a period in which travel to high-risk areas increases, the population is urgently urged to get vaccinated at least 10 days before traveling to these destinations.
Additionally, it highlights the importance of coordination with the environmental, tourism, and transportation sectors.
These risk zones are regions with a warm climate (26-33°C) and high humidity (70-90%), with tropical forests that have been fragmented by deforestation due to agriculture and livestock farming.
Yellow fever is a serious viral disease with a high mortality rate, reaching up to 75% in epidemic outbreaks. Its symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle and abdominal pain, chills, nausea and vomiting, and yellowing of the conjunctiva. However, it is preventable with a single dose of the vaccine, which is free, safe, and provides lifelong protection.
Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection urges the entire at-risk population, including travelers to high-risk areas, to follow these recommendations:
Get vaccinated at least 10 days before traveling to areas where the virus is circulating.
If you live in a high-risk area or plan to travel to one, vaccination is essential to prevent death. It is recommended for children 9 months and older, including those over 60 years of age.
A mosquito bite can be fatal, but a single dose of the vaccine protects us for life.
Using protective methods such as repellent, mosquito nets, and long-sleeved clothing helps prevent bites from the transmitting mosquito.
From the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, we make an urgent call to protect life: if you live in a risk area or plan to travel, get vaccinated. Yellow fever kills, vaccination saves lives.