Colombia has declared a nationwide health emergency in response to a significant surge in yellow fever cases. Since the beginning of 2024, the country has reported 74 confirmed cases and 34 deaths due to the disease.
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. Common symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. In some cases, the disease can progress to a severe phase with jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure.
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The Tolima region, located in central-west Colombia, is the most affected, recording 22 cases. President Gustavo Petro has announced an economic emergency to mobilise resources for combating the outbreak. The government has initiated vaccination campaigns, aiming to immunise 200,000 residents in Tolima.
Those traveling to Colombia are advised to take enhanced precautions, including vaccination against yellow fever, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
