The mosquito-borne virus, which is endemic to many South American countries, including Colombia, has taken a dangerous turn this year, with an unusually high mortality rate among those infected. Minister of Health Guillermo Jaramillo announced on Wednesday that 74 confirmed cases have been recorded since the beginning of the year, with 34 resulting in death—a fatality rate of nearly 50%.
“This is not a typical outbreak. The virus has moved beyond its usual rural boundaries and is now threatening more populated regions,” Jaramillo said during an interview with Radio Nacional de Colombia.
Spike in Cases Triggers Alarm
The region of Tolima, a key coffee-producing area in central Colombia, has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak. According to Jaramillo, the number of yellow fever cases in Tolima rose from just four in September 2024 to 22 by mid-April 2025.
Authorities believe the expansion of the disease is being driven in part by climate change, which has enabled the Aedes aegypti mosquito—the primary vector for yellow fever—to thrive at higher altitudes and in new environments.
Government Response and Travel Precautions
In response to the crisis, the Colombian government has enacted both a health emergency decree and an economic emergency declaration, underscoring the outbreak’s broad societal impact. President Gustavo Petro called on citizens to take the situation seriously and prioritize vaccination.
"People who have not been vaccinated should not go to high-risk areas during Easter: for now, that includes the coffee region," Petro wrote on Facebook, emphasizing that proof of vaccination may soon be required for those entering or leaving Colombia.
The Ministry of Health is also preparing additional public health measures, including intensified mosquito control campaigns and vaccine distribution in affected areas.
International Attention and Travel Advisories
The outbreak has drawn concern beyond Colombia’s borders. On Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised its yellow fever alert for South America to Level 2, which advises travelers to “practice enhanced precautions.” The CDC specifically urged those traveling to parts of Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru to consider getting vaccinated or receiving a booster shot before departure.
Yellow fever typically presents with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and headaches, but in severe cases, it can progress to liver damage, jaundice, and bleeding—making early detection and vaccination critical to prevention and treatment.
A Call for Vigilance
Colombian health officials are now racing to contain the outbreak, prevent further transmission, and ensure medical support reaches the most affected areas. With Easter approaching—a period marked by increased travel and social gatherings—the government’s appeal for public cooperation is especially urgent.
As the situation evolves, authorities continue to monitor new cases and are encouraging both residents and visitors to remain alert, stay informed, and take all necessary precautions.