With the aim of strengthening the health response in the region, PAHO coordinated a technical meeting focused on yellow fever surveillance. During this session, the historical and current impact of the disease was examined, emphasizing that its transmission remains a persistent challenge for public health. Specialists analyzed current patterns of transmission in detail and emphasized the need to strengthen surveillance and vaccination efforts to mitigate future risks.
In the section dedicated to regional analysis, an overview of the situation was presented, followed by specific reports on the critical scenarios currently facing Colombia and Brazil. These presentations identified the particular challenges in managing local outbreaks and the importance of early detection. In this context, the relevance of the new Regional Guide for Yellow Fever Surveillance was highlighted as the fundamental regulatory tool for standardizing national responses.
An essential component of the discussion was comprehensive surveillance, which encompasses both the monitoring of epizootics in non-human primates and the control of the vectors responsible for transmission. It was explained how monitoring mortality in monkeys acts as a vital early warning system, while mosquito control strategies must be adapted to current environmental dynamics. These actions are crucial for anticipating the emergence of human cases in areas at risk.
Finally, the meeting delved into the technical aspects of disease management and prevention strategies. Guidelines for clinical diagnosis, proper patient management, and strengthening laboratory surveillance to ensure an accurate response were discussed. The session concluded with a review of regional vaccination guidelines, reaffirming that maintaining high and up-to-date immunization coverage is the primary strategy for the definitive control of yellow fever on the continent.