A Yellow Fever outbreak has started in Colombia, and Ministry of Health recommends vaccinations

• 📍 47 confirmed cases of yellow fever in Colombia, with 34 deaths reported—outbreak started in Tolima

• 🤒 Common symptoms: fever, chills, back pain, jaundice, vomiting, and in severe cases, organ failure

• 💉 Free yellow fever vaccine available in Medellín at The Doral Consultorios—first 40 people per day

• ⏰ Get there early—doors open at 7:30 AM, but people line up as early as 6:00 AM

• 🧳 Required for travel to risk areas—if not, vaccine costs around 67,000 COP

When I heard there is a Yellow Fever outbreak, I took notice immediately. Yellow Fever is transmitted by mosquitos typically, and I'm a magnet for them. Even after 9 years of living here. I'm still a bright beacon to mosquitos. So when I heard about what was happening,

Colombia is currently facing a yellow fever outbreak, with 47 confirmed cases and at least 34 deaths reported in 2025. The outbreak began in the department of Tolima and has been exacerbated by climate change, which has expanded the habitat of the mosquito vector into urban areas like Bogotá and Medellin.

Symptoms of Yellow Fever:

• Fever

• Chills

• Severe headache

• Back pain

• General body aches

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fatigue and weakness

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Bleeding

• Shock and organ failure in severe cases

Symptoms typically appear 3 to 6 days after infection. While many recover within a week, about 15% progress to a severe phase with a high mortality rate.

Vaccination in Medellín:

If you want to get a shot, there is a list of locations on the Me Vacuno Por website at

MeVacunoPor.com

Additional Information:

• The vaccine is a single dose, providing immunity within 10 days for most individuals.

• It is not recommended for children under 9 months, adults over 60, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health conditions.

• Yellow Fever vaccination cards have been loosely required for air travel, but in light of this outbreak, Aerocivil - has declared that proof of Yellow Fever vaccination mandatory for Air Travel within Colombia, and the FAA has not declared any travel restrictions, but has given a warning about travel to Colombia.

  
  

Given the current outbreak, vaccination is strongly advised for those living in or traveling to affected areas. Even if you're not traveling to an affected area, it's a good idea to get the vaccination. I want to be clear, this isn't a political statement. Politics be damned here.