Travelers to South America Urged to Get Yellow Fever Vaccine, CDC Warns

April 17, 2025 TruthUSA

According to the health agency, there has been an increased number of yellow fever cases reported in parts of South America.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a travel notice on Tuesday for the entire South American continent due to elevated levels of yellow fever in multiple countries.

“An increased number of cases of yellow fever have been reported in parts of South America,” the CDC mentioned in its bulletin, citing a report from the Pan American Health Organization. The report indicated a rise in cases of the viral disease in the first three months of 2025.

Yellow fever, a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, is primarily found in tropical regions and caused several epidemics worldwide in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Pan American Health Organization reported on March 31 that 131 yellow fever cases were confirmed, resulting in 53 deaths in the Americas during the first three months of 2025. It was noted that 61 cases and 30 deaths were reported in 2024. The majority of cases and deaths this year have been in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, with cases also appearing beyond the usual Amazon region.

In the Tuesday notice, the CDC highlighted that more yellow fever cases have been reported in new areas within Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia. They recommended that travelers to these newly affected regions get vaccinated against the virus at least 10 days before traveling.

“Travelers should seek medical help if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, backache, or muscle aches during or after traveling in an affected area,” the agency advised. They also advised travelers to inform their healthcare provider about their visit to a region with reported yellow fever cases.

Colombia’s government declared a nationwide health emergency due to an increase in yellow fever cases, with 74 confirmed cases and 34 deaths since last year. Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo stated that the most critical situation is in Tolima, central-west Colombia.

Yellow fever is caused by a virus transmitted through mosquito bites from the Aedes genus, although most infections are asymptomatic. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting, according to the World Health Organization.

During the toxic phase of the illness, patients may develop jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine, and bleeding from various body parts. Approximately half of those entering the toxic phase may die within seven to 10 days.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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