Colombia is facing a significant health crisis as a yellow fever outbreak has claimed 34 lives, prompting the government to declare a nationwide health emergency. Health officials report that there are 74 confirmed cases of the virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo highlighted the importance of vaccination, especially ahead of the busy Easter holiday when travel to high-risk areas increases. Vaccination, which is provided free of charge, is crucial as the outbreak has seen a mortality rate nearing 50% among the infected. Most cases have been reported from the eastern Tolima province, famous for its coffee culture and scenic vistas. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has urged unvaccinated individuals to refrain from visiting high-risk areas during the festive season to mitigate further spread. The World Health Organization indicates that symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, complicating diagnosis. With the situation critical, health officials stress the urgency of getting vaccinated as the disease poses serious risks, particularly the second phase of infection, which carries a high fatality rate.
Colombia Declares Health Emergency Amid Yellow Fever Outbreak
Colombia Declares Health Emergency Amid Yellow Fever Outbreak
Nationwide alert issued as fatalities rise to 34 from yellow fever; vaccination efforts ramped up.
Colombia Declares Health Emergency Amid Yellow Fever Outbreak
Nationwide alert issued as fatalities rise to 34 from yellow fever; vaccination efforts ramped up.
Colombia is facing a significant health crisis as a yellow fever outbreak has claimed 34 lives, prompting the government to declare a nationwide health emergency. Health officials report that there are 74 confirmed cases of the virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo highlighted the importance of vaccination, especially ahead of the busy Easter holiday when travel to high-risk areas increases. Vaccination, which is provided free of charge, is crucial as the outbreak has seen a mortality rate nearing 50% among the infected. Most cases have been reported from the eastern Tolima province, famous for its coffee culture and scenic vistas. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has urged unvaccinated individuals to refrain from visiting high-risk areas during the festive season to mitigate further spread. The World Health Organization indicates that symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, complicating diagnosis. With the situation critical, health officials stress the urgency of getting vaccinated as the disease poses serious risks, particularly the second phase of infection, which carries a high fatality rate.
Nationwide alert issued as fatalities rise to 34 from yellow fever; vaccination efforts ramped up.
Colombia is facing a significant health crisis as a yellow fever outbreak has claimed 34 lives, prompting the government to declare a nationwide health emergency. Health officials report that there are 74 confirmed cases of the virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo highlighted the importance of vaccination, especially ahead of the busy Easter holiday when travel to high-risk areas increases. Vaccination, which is provided free of charge, is crucial as the outbreak has seen a mortality rate nearing 50% among the infected. Most cases have been reported from the eastern Tolima province, famous for its coffee culture and scenic vistas. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has urged unvaccinated individuals to refrain from visiting high-risk areas during the festive season to mitigate further spread. The World Health Organization indicates that symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, complicating diagnosis. With the situation critical, health officials stress the urgency of getting vaccinated as the disease poses serious risks, particularly the second phase of infection, which carries a high fatality rate.
