WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's Ministry of Health is urging residents planning to travel to countries at risk for yellow fever to get vaccinated after the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert about a rise in confirmed cases across parts of South America.
According to the ministry, international health authorities have also observed a shift in the geographical spread of the disease, with yellow fever now being detected for the first time in areas that had not previously reported cases, including the Brazilian state of São Paulo and Colombia's Tolima department.
The warning comes after the Colombian government recently declared a nationwide state of emergency due to the increasing number of yellow fever infections.
Yellow fever is a viral infectious disease transmitted through mosquito bites. Health authorities estimate that approximately 10 percent of infected individuals die from complications related to the disease.
Although there is no specific treatment for yellow fever, an effective vaccine is available and provides protection against the virus.
The Ministry of Health advises anyone traveling to countries where yellow fever is present to receive the vaccine at least 10 days before departure. Vaccinations are available through Curaçao Public Health, formerly known as the GGD, located at Piscaderaweg 49 in Zakito.
Appointments are required for vaccination. Residents can schedule an appointment or request additional information by calling +5999 432-2860 or +5999 514-2860, which also accepts WhatsApp messages.
Countries in the Americas and Caribbean considered at risk for yellow fever include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
The ministry also reminded travelers that numerous countries in Africa remain at risk for yellow fever, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and several others where vaccination is recommended before travel.