Epidemiological Update Yellow fever in the Region of the Americas - 21 March 2024

In the Region of the Americas, the risk of yellow fever outbreaks occurring is high. While immunization is one of the most successful public health interventions to prevent this disease, the COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors, has led to vaccination activities being affected, impacting vaccination coverage against yellow fever.

As of 19 March 2024, Colombia, Guyana, and Peru have reported yellow fever cases in the Region of the Americas.

It is necessary for countries to guarantee vaccination coverage is uniformly greater than or equal to 95% and for health authorities to ensure they have a strategic reserve inventory that allows them to maintain routine vaccination and, at the same time, respond to possible outbreaks.