Yellow Fever in Paraguay: Update

Washington, D.C., February 22, 2008 (PAHO)—The Ministry of Health ((Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social / MSPBS)) of Paraguay has confirmed 7 cases of jungle yellow fever from San Pedro Department. Another cluster with 4 clinically compatible cases occurred in the urban area of San Lorenzo municipality, 20 km from the capital city of Asunción. Final confirmation of these 4 cases is pending.

The Ministry of Health has strengthened public health containment measures in the affected areas. Integrated control measures are underway involving mass vaccination for people living in, or travelling to, the affected area; vector control; and heightened surveillance to prevent serious public health consequences, given the current low level of immunization among the people living in the affected area.

A team of PAHO experts including an epidemiologist, a clinician/virologist, a risk communicator, immunization advisers and emergency management experts was deployed to Paraguay on 15 February 2008. A laboratory scientist from the Evandro Chagas Instutyte (Instituto Evandro Chagas / IEC, Brazil) will join the national public health laboratory shortly.

The yellow fever vaccines shortage has been addressed by mobilizing vaccines available in countries of the Region. In addition, the Ministry of Health has requested 2 million doses of vaccine from the WHO International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG).

The Pan American Health Organization, founded in 1902, works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of their peoples. It serves as the Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO).