Paraguay Asks WHO For 2 Million Yellow Fever Vaccines

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Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Aid / Disasters;  Public Health
Article Date: 22 Feb 2008 - 12:00 PDT

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The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday that the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Paraguay asked the WHO ICG (International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision) to provide 2 million doses of yellow fever vaccine.

This is in addition to the various efforts by neighbouring countries to mobilize their own vaccine supplies. For example Brazil and Peru have sent 1 million doses.

At least four people have died in Paraguay's first outbreak of yellow fever in 34 years.

On Tuesday, thousands of angry Paraguayans blocked main roads near the capital Asuncion demading more vaccines. Last week, the Paraguayan government declared a state of emergency in the South American country which is home to five and a half million people.

So far, 200,000 vaccinations have been given to people in the highest risk areas.

The WHO said the Paraguay authorities are strengthening containment in the affected areas with mass vaccination for people living in and travelling to the region and increased vector control, such as eradication of mosquito habitats and systematic spraying. Surveillance is also being increased, especially since there is a risk of serious public health consequences given the low level of immunization in the affected communities.

A team of experts, including immunization advisers,an emergency management expert, an epidemiologist, a clinician/virologist, and a risk communicator, went to Paraguay on the 15th of February.

Brazil was also sending a laboratory scientist from the Instituto Evandro Chagas (a government sponsored biomedical research establishment).

The latest update from the WHO says that the Paraguay authorities have now reported 7 confirmed cases of jungle yellow fever in San Pedro Department, with 4 more suspected, yet to be confirmed, cases in the municipality of San Lorenzo, which is much closer to the capital, Asuncion.

Meanwhile the Brazilian authorities have reported to the WHO, as of 1st of February, a total of 48 cases of yellow fever, including 13 deaths. 23 of the cases, which occurred in the states of Goias, Distrito Federal and Mato Grosso do Sul have now been confirmed by laboratory tests.

21 of the 23 people had never received a yellow fever vaccination and while the other 2 had, it was over 20 years ago.

Yellow fever is typically found in South America and Africa and is trasmitted via mosquito bites. Symptoms start with fever, muscle pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and shivering.

After three or four days, most people improve, but some enter a second toxic phase of hemorrhagic illness characterized by jaundice, high fever, and bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth and stomach. The chances of surviving this phase are about 50 per cent.

Click here for WHO Yellow Fever website.

Sources: CNN News, WHO Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR), Reuters.

Written by: Catharine Paddock, PhD
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today