Brazil to Vaccinate Entire Country Against Yellow Fever

SHASTA DARLINGTON, NY Times-

Brazil announced recently that the country plans to vaccinate the entire country against Yellow Fever by April 2019. The 207 million people country frequently suffer outbreaks from the mosquito-borne disease. However, recently, Brazil has suffered one of the worst outbreaks of the disease, with around 300 reported dead, prompting officials to look into possible preventative measures against the diseases. Brazil’s Health Minister predicts that approximately 77.5 million people will need to be vaccinated in order to achieve the goal of complete country vaccination. The disease is normally found around the Amazon Water Basin, but recent outbreaks have seen a southern shift, approaching large urban areas such as in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Previously, the vaccination was not pushed as thoroughly as a combative measure by the government due to the limited area spread of the disease, that only around 3 to 8% of Yellow Fever cases are fatal, and that 1 in 100,000 recipients of the vaccine will suffer a dangerous reaction that can, in rare cases, result in death. However, due to the recent outbreak near São Paulo, a vaccination campaign is being put in place. Currently, the government is focusing on vaccinations in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Bahia States.

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