Venezuela Intensifies Yellow Fever Vaccination Efforts Amid Rising Cases

Venezuela is ramping up its national yellow fever vaccination campaign in response to a recent surge in cases across Latin America and within its own borders. The initiative aims to protect the population and prevent further spread of the disease, with a particular focus on at-risk regions.

Recent Outbreak and Vaccination Plan

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced the activation of the National Yellow Fever Immunization Plan on February 25, 2026, following a meeting with Dr. Armando De Negri Filho, the representative of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in Venezuela. The plan seeks to contain an outbreak that has been spreading throughout Latin America.

The vaccination campaign will initially prioritize 22 parishes across four federal entities: Aragua, Lara, Barinas, and Portuguesa. Individuals aged between one and 59 who have never received a yellow fever vaccine are urged to get vaccinated. “We are calling for vaccination for those who have never in their lives been vaccinated against yellow fever. If you have never been vaccinated, now is the time,” emphasized Rodriguez.

Understanding Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, including Haemagogus and Sabethes, as well as Aedes aegypti. The virus infects both humans and non-human primates, posing a significant public health risk in areas with low immunization rates.

Epidemiological Data and Concerns

According to the Ministry of Health, there have been 36 confirmed cases and 19 deaths from yellow fever in 14 states of Venezuela since June 2025. Epizootics, or deaths among non-human primates, have also been reported in eight states, serving as an early warning sign of viral circulation.

PAHO has reported a reactivation of jungle transmission cycles, primarily affecting individuals who are not immunized and enter forested areas. The risk of urbanization of the disease remains a concern due to the high density of the Aedes aegypti mosquito in populated centers.

Recommendations and Prevention

The National Academy of Medicine (ANM) of Venezuela has issued several recommendations:

• Health Authorities: Intensify vaccination efforts to achieve at least 95% coverage in at-risk areas, strengthen epidemiological surveillance for early case detection and monitoring of epizootics, and ensure adequate vaccine supplies and hospital preparedness.
• General Population: Verify vaccination status, especially for those residing in or traveling to endemic areas. Individuals between 9 months and 59 years old should have a valid vaccination certificate. If unvaccinated, vaccination should occur at least 10 days before travel.

Personal protective measures include wearing long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and using repellents containing DEET. Eliminating breeding sites for stagnant water and using mosquito nets are also crucial. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, chills, severe headache, muscle pain, or jaundice should seek immediate medical attention.

Venezuela’s Collaborative Approach

The Venezuelan government is framing the vaccination plan as a joint effort with PAHO, facilitating not only vaccine access but also data sharing and the implementation of best practices for the National Public Health System. The goal is to guarantee free and universal access to immunization as a fundamental human right.