Colombia Races to Contain Yellow Fever as Nationwide Emergency Declared

Amid growing fears over the spread of yellow fever, Colombia’s Ministry of Health has declared a nationwide health emergency. The decision, announced on Thursday, follows a rising number of infections in various parts of the country, sparking urgent action from the government and health officials. The virus’s active transmission in new and unexpected regions has heightened alarm.

Since September 2024, the country has recorded 75 yellow fever cases and 34 deaths, according to health ministry data. This sharp increase has drawn attention particularly because some of the affected areas were previously not considered vulnerable. So far, nine out of Colombia’s 32 departments have confirmed at least one infection, suggesting the virus is moving into unfamiliar territory.

Rural zones in the departments of Tolima, Meta, the Amazon basin, and areas along the Magdalena River have reported the majority of cases. Yet, perhaps more concerning is the detection of the virus in Caldas—a department typically known for its coffee plantations rather than mosquito-borne diseases. The unexpected presence there has underlined the urgency of nationwide preventive action.

Prior to the full emergency declaration, certain regions were already under health alerts due to isolated outbreaks. The situation worsened as the Easter holiday approached, raising concerns about increased travel and the possibility of accelerating the spread of the disease. In response, travel to some of the most affected areas has been limited to curb infections.

Yellow fever is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While many individuals remain asymptomatic, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that others may experience symptoms like fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite—typically resolving in a few days. However, in some cases, the illness can advance into a severe phase, marked by jaundice and abdominal pain, with a fatality rate of around 50% during this stage.

As part of the national response, President Gustavo Petro has called for mass vaccination, encouraging all citizens over nine months old to get the free, single-dose vaccine. Health workers are being deployed to hard-hit regions to speed up immunization efforts. Petro declared via social media that the entire population should be vaccinated within two months, urging rapid action from the health system.

To further combat the outbreak, the president also announced an impending economic emergency. Over 20 rapid response teams from the Ministry of Health and the National Health Institute have been dispatched to trace the virus’s spread and support treatment. Nevertheless, the government faces criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that the response came too late. Senator Paloma Valencia voiced disapproval, saying the crisis should have prompted action months ago. President Petro is expected to address the nation in a cabinet meeting on Monday with updates on the emergency measures.