Nation currently under emergency status.
Colombia Faces Severe Yellow Fever Outbreak, Declares National Health Emergency
Colombia is currently grappling with a significant yellow fever outbreak, with the number of confirmed cases and deaths on the rise. As of late July 2025, there have been around 103 confirmed cases and 37 deaths, indicating a high fatality rate of approximately 36%.
The outbreak has led to a national health emergency declaration by the Colombian government. The epicentre of the outbreak is the Tolima Department in central-west Colombia, particularly the municipalities of Cunday and Rioblanco, as well as Prado, Purificación, and Villarrica. This is unusual because Tolima is a high-altitude region (around 700 meters) where yellow fever cases historically have been rare.
The outbreak has seen a significant increase in case numbers, with 74 confirmed cases and 34 deaths reported earlier in 2025. Other high-risk areas include the Amazon basin, Magdalena River region, Meta, and newly affected zones like Neira in Caldas in the coffee region.
The primary prevention measure against the outbreak is vaccination. Colombian health authorities are running a nationwide vaccination campaign to curb the outbreak. Vaccination is recommended for all residents aged 1 to 59 in Tolima and other endemic or newly affected areas. Health officials warn that any unvaccinated resident or traveler in risk areas poses a transmission risk.
Travelers to Colombia, especially to the affected rural and forested regions, should ensure they receive the yellow fever vaccine before arrival. Public health measures also include strengthening surveillance, vector control (mosquito elimination), and public education. The establishment of a Unified Command Post led by the governor of Tolima aims to coordinate containment efforts.
In response to the increase in yellow fever cases, a vaccination certificate will now be required upon entry and exit to the country. Unvaccinated people are advised not to stay in risk areas over Easter, including the coffee-growing region in the center of the country.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has declared an economic emergency and urged citizens to get vaccinated. The virus has expanded beyond traditional risk areas for yellow fever outbreaks, posing a threat to more communities. The current mortality rate is nearly 50 percent, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency.
Economic and social policy within Colombia is keenly focused on addressing the ongoing yellow fever outbreak, given its severe impact on public health and the economy. The government, in response to this crisis, has increased funding towards medical-conditions related to the virus, prioritizing health-and-wellness initiatives such as nationwide vaccination campaigns and mosquito elimination programs. Additionally, the use of CBD, a potentially beneficial compound in managing inflammatory conditions, is being explored by some health officials as a potential adjunct therapy in treating medical-conditions arising from yellow fever.
