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The Pan American Health Organization warns of a significant rise in yellow fever cases and urges stronger vaccination efforts

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a new epidemiological alert in response to a surge in human yellow fever cases across the Americas. This viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes and preventable through vaccination, remains a major health threat, with the potential to be fatal.

A Sharp Increase in Yellow Fever Cases
As of March 22, 2025, the number of confirmed yellow fever infections has more than doubled compared to the total recorded in 2024. In just under three months this year, there have been 131 cases, with 53 deaths, compared to 61 cases and 30 deaths reported in all of 2024. The countries seeing the largest rise in cases this year include Bolivia (1 case, 1 death), Brazil (81 cases, 31 deaths), Colombia (31 cases, 13 deaths), and Peru (18 cases, 8 deaths).

Expanded Geographical Spread
The PAHO highlights that this year’s outbreak is affecting areas outside the traditionally impacted Amazon region. The organization stresses that this increase is particularly alarming because yellow fever has begun appearing in regions previously unaffected in recent years. Notably, cases reported since October 2024 in the department of Tolima in Colombia are of particular concern. In these areas, activities such as agriculture present a heightened risk of exposure to the virus.

Vaccination Efforts and Recommendations
The overwhelming majority of the yellow fever cases reported have involved unvaccinated individuals. The PAHO urges countries to intensify vaccination campaigns in at-risk areas, with the goal of achieving coverage rates above 95%. “Vaccination is the most effective tool in fighting the disease,” the organization stresses.

PAHO also advises nations to review their vaccine stocks, ensure rapid response plans are in place for outbreaks, and ensure travelers in endemic areas are both informed and vaccinated.

Emerging Risks in Brazil and Colombia
Particular attention is being given to the situation in Brazil’s São Paulo state, where there have been 34 cases and 19 deaths. The proximity of these cases to densely populated urban areas increases the risk of a broader epidemic. The PAHO considers this situation especially worrisome as the virus is spreading geographically, highlighting the urgent need for stronger surveillance and control measures.

The situation in Colombia, specifically in the department of Tolima, where yellow fever has emerged in new areas, requires immediate action to prevent further spread. PAHO urges governments to bolster efforts to control the outbreak and prevent further infections.

A Long-standing Threat
Since 1960, yellow fever has caused 9,591 human cases and 3,444 deaths in the Americas. The PAHO reminds that the public health threat of yellow fever resurfaced in the region after the epidemic in Brazil between 2016 and 2018, further emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.

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