This outbreak is pretty serious—Colombia declaring both a health and economic emergency signals how dire the situation is becoming. Yellow fever has always been a lurking danger in some parts of South America, but this spike, especially with a 50% mortality rate among confirmed cases, is alarming
74 confirmed cases, with 34 deaths since the beginning of 2025.
Tolima, part of Colombia’s coffee region, is the hardest-hit.
The virus is spreading to previously low-risk or unaffected regions, likely driven by climate change, which is expanding mosquito habitats.
The Colombian government is requiring proof of vaccination for travelers entering or leaving the country.
U.S. CDC has upgraded its travel alert to Level 2 for parts of South America, urging travelers to get vaccinated.
What You Should Know or Do (Especially If Traveling):
- Vaccination is key: One yellow fever shot typically offers lifetime protection, but booster shots may be considered.
- Avoid high-risk areas if you’re unvaccinated, particularly rural or forested zones in Colombia like Tolima.
- Mosquito precautions are crucial—repellent, long sleeves, sleeping under nets, and avoiding peak mosquito hours (dusk/dawn).
- Watch for symptoms if you’re in or have been to affected regions: sudden fever, chills, back pain, nausea, and jaundice (in severe cases).
Would you like help finding travel updates, vaccination sites, or what the yellow fever situation looks like in neighboring countries?