Yellow Fever Emergency Declared in Colombia

The Ministry of Health has declared a health emergency as the number of people infected with yellow fever continues to increase. So far, 74 confirmed cases and 34 deaths have been registered this year (2025). The most affected state is Tolima. A large-scale immunisation program will be implemented to contain the disease. Travellers to affected areas may have to provide yellow fever immunisation cards as proof of yellow fever immunity.

Advice

Yellow fever infections have a high mortality rate. In areas where the yellow fever virus is active, the risk for an unvaccinated traveller may be high. For the vaccinated traveller, the risk is essentially zero. Travellers to areas where there is a risk of exposure to yellow fever can reduce that risk by obtaining a yellow fever vaccination 10 days before travelling. In addition, travellers should take all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Travellers are reminded that many other countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival for all travellers equal to or greater than 9-12 months of age arriving from a country where there is a risk of yellow fever.