Colombia's Ministry of Health has declared a nationwide health and economic emergency following a significant increase in yellow fever cases. Since the beginning of 2025, the country has reported 74 confirmed cases and 34 deaths attributed to the mosquito-borne virus, with a mortality rate approaching 50%. ​

The outbreak has spread beyond traditional rural areas, affecting urban regions such as Bogotá and the coffee-growing department of Caldas. The department of Tolima remains the most severely impacted.

In response, President Gustavo Petro has initiated a nationwide vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize the entire population within two months. The single-dose yellow fever vaccine is free and available to individuals over nine months old. ​

Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the virus's spread has been exacerbated by climate change, which has expanded the mosquito's habitat into more temperate and urban areas.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has expressed concern over rising vaccine hesitancy in Latin America, which could hinder efforts to control the outbreak. PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa highlighted the need for regional collaboration to combat declining immunization coverage and prevent further spread of yellow fever and other vaccine-preventable diseases. ​

Authorities are also implementing travel restrictions to and from areas with high virus transmission to curb the spread during the Easter holiday period. ​

The government has deployed over 20 rapid response teams to investigate and contain the outbreak, ensuring that affected communities have access to necessary medical care.

Colombians are urged to receive the yellow fever vaccine and adhere to public health guidelines to protect themselves and others from the virus.



(Wafric News)