Colombia Declares Health and Economic Emergency Amid Yellow Fever Outbreak
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced a health and economic emergency in response to a troubling yellow fever outbreak, which has tragically claimed the lives of at least 20 individuals this year. The president shared this decision via social media platform X on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health over economic interests. "This is a step taken not because of what smugglers, money launderers, and oil companies claim to be the priority of Colombia's economic policy, but for something simple and compelling: life," Petro stated.
The country is grappling with the yellow fever virus, which is primarily spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. According to the Ministry of Health, last year saw 23 confirmed cases, resulting in 13 deaths. This year, the situation has intensified, with 47 cases reported and 20 fatalities already confirmed. The department of Tolima in central Colombia has been particularly hard hit, with 41 of the 47 cases occurring there.
President Petro attributed the sharp increase in mosquito activity to the climate crisis, noting that rising temperatures allow these vectors to travel into higher regions and urban areas, including the capital, Bogotá. "Our disadvantages are related to the climate crisis. The rising atmospheric heat now enables the mosquito to climb mountains, cross the moors, and penetrate cities," he explained.
The Ministry of Health has also reported five cases of yellow fever in primates, though it clarified that these animals do not transmit the disease. Alarmingly, cases have begun to emerge in regions where yellow fever had previously never been reported. To tackle the outbreak, health authorities are ramping up vaccination efforts. Historically, vaccination was only administered to individuals up to 59 years of age, but starting January 2025, the program will extend to older populations in high-risk areas.
Thus far, more than 54,269 residents in prioritized municipalities have been vaccinated against yellow fever, particularly in Tolima, as part of containment efforts. Health Minister Guillermo Jaramillo underscored the importance of the vaccine, stating, "Yellow fever is a serious but preventable disease, and a single dose of the vaccine is free, safe, and effective. We continue to work tirelessly to contain the outbreak and protect the population, especially in the highest risk areas."
Amid this crisis, Colombian citizens are urged to stay informed and vigilant as the government works to navigate the health challenges presented by the yellow fever outbreak.
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