Yellow Fever Alert: OPS Issues Epidemiological Warning in Americas
- WASHINGTON – The pan American Health Association (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert following a important spike in yellow fever cases reported across the Americas in early 2025....
- As of March 22, 2025, health officials have confirmed 131 cases of yellow fever, including 53 deaths.
- Notably, some cases have been detected outside the Amazon region, which is traditionally considered the endemic zone for yellow fever.
PAHO Sounds Alarm as Yellow Fever Cases Surge across the Americas
Table of Contents
- PAHO Sounds Alarm as Yellow Fever Cases Surge across the Americas
- Yellow Fever Alert: What you Need to Know About the Surge in the Americas
- what is the Yellow Fever Alert and Why is it Happening?
- What is Yellow Fever?
- How Many Cases and Deaths Have Been Reported?
- Where are the Majority of Yellow Fever Cases occurring?
- How Many Cases/Deaths per country have been recorded?
- Are Cases Appearing in New Areas?
- what is the Situation in Brazil?
- How is Yellow Fever Prevented?
- What is the Role of Vaccination?
- What Are PAHO’s Recommendations for Countries in the Region?
- What is PAHO’s Risk Assessment?
- what is PAHO Doing to Address the Outbreak?
WASHINGTON – The pan American Health Association (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert following a important spike in yellow fever cases reported across the Americas in early 2025. Confirmed cases have more than doubled compared to the total number recorded throughout 2024,prompting concerns about the disease’s potential spread.
As of March 22, 2025, health officials have confirmed 131 cases of yellow fever, including 53 deaths. This is a stark contrast to the 61 cases, with 30 fatalities, reported during all of 2024.
Geographic Distribution of Yellow Fever
the majority of cases have been reported in four countries:
- Bolivia: 1 case, 1 death
- Brazil: 81 cases, 31 deaths
- Colombia: 31 cases, 13 deaths
- Peru: 18 cases, 8 deaths
Notably, some cases have been detected outside the Amazon region, which is traditionally considered the endemic zone for yellow fever.
emergence in New Areas
PAHO highlighted the emergence of new cases in Tolima, Colombia, since October 2024. This indicates the virus is appearing in geographical areas previously unaffected.According to PAHO, agricultural work in these regions represents a risk factor for virus exposure.The organization emphasized the urgent need to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and control measures to contain the disease.
Concerns in Brazil
The situation in sao Paulo, Brazil, is particularly concerning due to its proximity to densely populated urban centers, which increases the risk of a broader outbreak. The state has reported 34 cases and 19 deaths.
Vaccination is Key
PAHO emphasizes that yellow fever,a serious and potentially deadly viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes,is preventable through vaccination. the organization notes that the vast majority of detected cases involve unvaccinated individuals.
The agency urged countries to intensify vaccination efforts in at-risk areas, aiming for homogeneous coverage exceeding 95%. PAHO reiterated that vaccination remains the most effective tool against the disease.
PAHO Recommendations
PAHO recommends that countries in the region:
- Review their vaccine reserves.
- Develop rapid outbreak response plans.
- Ensure travelers to endemic areas are informed and vaccinated.
High Risk Assessment
In February, PAHO published a risk assessment based on the increase in cases in several countries during late 2024 and early 2025, concluding that the risk of yellow fever outbreaks in the region is “high.”
PAHO stated it will continue to monitor the situation and support countries in adopting optimal strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control of yellow fever.
Yellow Fever Alert: What you Need to Know About the Surge in the Americas
what is the Yellow Fever Alert and Why is it Happening?
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert due to a meaningful rise in yellow fever cases across the americas in early 2025. Confirmed cases have more than doubled compared to the total number recorded in 2024. This is causing concern about the potential spread of the disease.
What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a serious, possibly deadly viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
How Many Cases and Deaths Have Been Reported?
As of March 22, 2025, 131 cases of yellow fever have been confirmed, including 53 deaths. This is a notable increase compared to the 61 cases and 30 deaths reported throughout 2024.
Where are the Majority of Yellow Fever Cases occurring?
Most cases have been reported in four countries:
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Peru
How Many Cases/Deaths per country have been recorded?
Here is a summary:
| Country | Cases | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Bolivia | 1 | 1 |
| Brazil | 81 | 31 |
| Colombia | 31 | 13 |
| Peru | 18 | 8 |
Are Cases Appearing in New Areas?
Yes. PAHO has highlighted the emergence of new cases in Tolima, Colombia, as October 2024. This indicates that the virus is spreading into geographical areas previously unaffected.Agricultural work in these regions represents a risk factor for virus exposure.
what is the Situation in Brazil?
The situation in São Paulo, Brazil, is particularly concerning due to it’s proximity to densely populated urban centers, increasing the risk of a broader outbreak. The state has reported 34 cases and 19 deaths.
How is Yellow Fever Prevented?
Yellow fever is preventable through vaccination. PAHO emphasizes that the vast majority of detected cases involve unvaccinated individuals.
What is the Role of Vaccination?
Vaccination is key. The agency urged countries to intensify vaccination efforts in at-risk areas, aiming for homogeneous coverage exceeding 95%. PAHO reiterates that vaccination is the most effective tool against the disease.
What Are PAHO’s Recommendations for Countries in the Region?
PAHO recommends that countries should:
- Review their vaccine reserves.
- Develop rapid outbreak response plans.
- Ensure travelers to endemic areas are informed and vaccinated.
What is PAHO’s Risk Assessment?
In February,PAHO published a risk assessment,concluding that the risk of yellow fever outbreaks in the region is “high.”
what is PAHO Doing to Address the Outbreak?
PAHO stated it will continue to monitor the situation and support countries in adopting optimal strategies for surveillance,prevention,and control of yellow fever.