Dozens dead, Hundreds at risk: Yellow fever outbreak hits Colombia

Colombian Government on Wednesday, April, 16, 2025, declared a nationwide health emergency after yellow fever killed at least 34 people.

The State Minister for Health, Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo announced the emergency during a radio interview with RCN.

Colombia health officials also confirmed 74 yellow fever cases, with a mortality rate of nearly 50 percent, prompting urgent action.

He urged citizens to get vaccinated, especially before the Easter weekend.

Jaramillo said people travelling to high-risk areas must present proof of yellow fever vaccination.

The government provides the vaccine free of charge at all designated health centres.

Yellow fever spreads through bites from infected mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions.

The virus can be deadly, but a single vaccine dose offers lifetime protection.

The minister said most cases were concentrated in the eastern part of Tolima province.

Tolima is known for its coffee plantations and attracts many domestic and foreign tourists.

President Gustavo Petro issued a warning via social media on the outbreak’s severity.

He advised unvaccinated persons to avoid high-risk areas during Easter, especially Colombia’s coffee zone.

Officials fear increased travel during Easter could escalate the spread of the virus.

Yellow fever often mimics other illnesses in its early stage, complicating diagnosis.

Common early symptoms include fever, back pain, muscle aches, and nausea.

According to the World Health Organisation, most patients recover after the first phase.

However, 15 percent enter a toxic phase with jaundice, bleeding, and kidney failure.

Half of those in the toxic phase typically die within two weeks, WHO reports.

The health ministry has intensified vaccination drives in high-risk zones.

Mobile teams have been deployed to reach remote and vulnerable communities.

Colombians have been urged to report symptoms early and avoid mosquito bites.

Officials encouraged tourists to take precautions and comply with health advisories.

The government said it is monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates.

Health authorities are collaborating with international bodies to control the outbreak.

The emergency remains active as Colombia fights to contain yellow fever’s deadly spread.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook