Today, the Colombian Health Ministry has issued a nationwide health emergency. They are reacting to the scary widespread current circulation of yellow fever across the country. Our nation is recovering from the worst public health crisis in a generation. As of late June 2024, we have seen 75 confirmed cases of yellow fever, leading to 34 deaths.
In the wake of this outbreak, real fears have been raised. The disease has recently spread into areas that were previously immune to yellow fever, like the coffee-growing Caldas department. According to reports, at least one case has been recorded in nine of Colombia’s 32 departments. Infections have been documented as far in the rural areas of Tolima and Meta, as well as in the Amazon basin and Magdalena River region.
In light of the growing crisis, President Gustavo Petro has made vaccination a priority. As he has declared, “In two months, the whole Colombian population should be vaccinated against yellow fever.” The single-dose vaccine is free and can be received by everyone over nine months of age. It is an important resource and tool in our ongoing battle against the outbreak.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends people infected with yellow fever get lots of rest and fluids. If they’re feeling unwell, they need to be getting medical care too. Since there is no targeted antiviral drug therapy for the disease, supportive care is paramount. The majority of patients can expect symptom resolution within three to four days. Those who progress to a second stage of disease face a grim prognosis, with half likely to die within seven to ten days. This second phase is marked by more serious symptoms, including jaundice and intense abdominal pain.
The Ministry of Health and the National Health Institute have moved quickly to address the crisis. To respond, they’ve mobilized more than 20 emergency response teams to trace and stop the spread of yellow fever. President Petro called on the health system to be able to roll out vaccination campaigns. He announced, “We need to do that, and our health care system needs to make sure we do that.”
Senator Paloma Valencia took the action in the inappropriate governmental response. She maintained that with earlier, more proactive measures, lives could have been saved. “Decisions needed to be made 20, 30 years ago so people didn’t die,” she said.
The seriousness of this health emergency makes raising public awareness and the need for vaccination an urgent priority. As Colombia deals with this ongoing outbreak, health authorities are remaining vigilant and are advising members of the public to remain vigilant and take steps to avoid infection.
