PAHO Warns of Sharp Rise in Yellow Fever Cases Across the Americas in 2025
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a Rapid Risk Assessment (RRA) warning of a significant increase in yellow fever cases across the Americas, including the Caribbean, in 2025. The organization emphasized that the public health threat remains high, citing a dramatic rise in confirmed cases and related deaths.
According to the report released on May 23, 221 confirmed human cases of yellow fever have already been reported this year—an eightfold increase over the same period in 2024, which saw only 61 cases. The current outbreak has already claimed 89 lives, nearly tripling the 30 deaths reported for all of last year.
Expanded Geographic Risk
While previous outbreaks were primarily confined to Amazonian regions in countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, and Peru, PAHO has now confirmed cases in non-endemic areas—notably São Paulo State in Brazil and the Timma Department in Colombia—heightening concern over the disease’s growing footprint.
Brazil Declared Free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Without Vaccination
In other regional news, Brazil has been officially recognized as free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), eliminating the need for vaccination.
The announcement marks a historic milestone for the world’s leading beef exporter, with the potential to open new markets for Brazilian meat products. The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABRAFRIGO) hailed the achievement as a significant step in improving global sanitary standards.
The new designation places increased responsibility on Brazil’s livestock industry to maintain this status, reinforcing its global reputation as a top-tier supplier of animal-origin food.
U.S. Issues “Do Not Travel” Advisory for Venezuela
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela, citing an elevated risk of wrongful detention and the absence of consular support.
In a statement on Wednesday, the department outlined numerous risks, including torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, violent crime, and inadequate healthcare systems. The advisory comes amid increasing concerns for U.S. citizens in Venezuela, especially given the absence of an American embassy or consulate in the country.
