Venezuela is experiencing a resurgence of yellow fever, with at least 29 confirmed cases and two deaths reported, according to Huniades Urbina, president of the National Academy of Medicine. This outbreak highlights the ongoing global threat of mosquito-borne diseases and the importance of preventative measures.
Urbina explained that the National Academy initially received information about the outbreak from reports issued by the Pan American Health Organization (OPS). The Ministry of Health did not issue a public statement until approximately one week ago, when it announced mandatory vaccination requirements for travel to certain states.
The Pan American Health Organization issued an alert in May of last year regarding a significant outbreak of yellow fever across Latin America, with cases reported in Brazil, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. “Venezuela does not escape that regional reality,” Urbina warned.
Urbina criticized the authorities’ response as delayed, despite the Academy sending communications since 2025. Official figures recently released indicate a total of 36 cases have been recorded since June of last year.
Current efforts are focused on 22 parishes within the states of Aragua, Lara, Portuguesa, and Barinas, where the majority of cases are concentrated. As of now, no cases have been reported in Caracas.
“If you have to travel to or live in those states, it is logical that everyone traveling through that area should be vaccinated,” Urbina stated.
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes – the same vectors responsible for spreading dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. In 80% of cases, the illness presents as a non-specific febrile illness with general malaise, eye pain, back pain, and fever. This underscores the challenges in early diagnosis and the need for heightened awareness.
However, Urbina cautioned that around 15% of patients develop severe forms of the disease, characterized by liver damage leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin), hemorrhaging, and liver failure, which can be fatal.
The severity of the illness, he indicated, depends on factors such as the viral load transmitted by the mosquito and the individual’s immune response.
Vaccination Coverage Around 50%
Urbina emphasized the urgent need to increase vaccination coverage, reminding the public that the yellow fever vaccine is part of the Expanded Program on Immunization. He stressed that Venezuela is an endemic area for the disease.
However, current vaccination coverage is estimated to be around 50%, significantly lower than the recommended 95% needed to prevent outbreaks. The vaccine is administered as a single dose starting at one year of age, a policy in place for the last decade, and provides lifelong protection. In outbreak situations, it can be administered as early as nine months of age.
Official recommendations are to vaccinate individuals between 1 and 59 years of age.
The Ministry of Health has announced that vaccination will be required for travelers to the states of Portuguesa, Barinas, Aragua, and Lara, particularly during the upcoming Holy Week. A special epidemiological surveillance protocol has been activated.
The Ministry also reported that it is procuring new doses of the vaccine to contain the outbreak.
The National Academy of Medicine believes the priority extends beyond travel restrictions. It is urging a broad vaccination campaign to increase coverage and reduce the risk of new cases and deaths throughout the country.
