The Colombian government on Wednesday declared a state of emergency due to the rapid spread of yellow fever cases.
The government has urged citizens to get vaccinated and take proper precautions amid festivities and travel plans over the Easter weekend.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared an economic emergency in addition to the ongoing healthcare emergency. On a Facebook post, he wrote, “People who have not been vaccinated should not go to high-risk areas during Easter: for now the coffee area”.
What is yellow fever?
WHO describes yellow fever as an infectious disease that is borne out of day-biting mosquitoes. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, and muscle pain, and the incubation period lasts for 3-6 days. It is termed as a highly infectious disease that has the potential to transmit across borders.
Since the start of the year, 74 cases have been confirmed and 34 people have died, according to Colombian health minister Guillermo Jaramillo on Wednesday. Explaining the emergency order, Jaramillo said, “It’s a disease with a mortality rate of nearly 50% among those infected.” He added, “We are going to require the carrying of the vaccination card for people entering or leaving Colombia.”
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in its yellow fever alert, has upgraded South America to level two out of four levels, where they have recommended practicing “enhanced precautions” due to an “increased number of cases”.
People going to Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru are advised to get vaccinated at least 10 days before their trip and be extra careful to avoid mosquito bites.
