English Lessons

Colombia Declares Health Emergency Amid Yellow Fever Surge

Colombia has declared a national emergency due to an outbreak of yellow fever, with 75 reported cases and 34 deaths since September 2024. The disease, which mosquitoes transmit to humans, has spread to multiple rural areas such as Tolima, Meta, and the Amazon basin, and even to places where it was not previously seen, like the Caldas region. In response, the government plans to restrict travel to high-risk zones and encourage everyone over nine months old to receive a free vaccine. Since yellow fever has no cure, people are advised to rest, stay hydrated, and seek medical care if they show any symptom like fever, nausea, or vomiting.

To stop the spread, the government will deploy medical teams to vaccinate the population within two months. In more serious cases, patients may develop jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, which can lead to death if untreated. President Petro emphasized the urgency of full vaccination and announced an economic emergency to support the response. Meanwhile, critics argue the government acted too late, as the situation had already worsened over several months. More updates and control measures are expected during the upcoming national broadcast.

I. Matching Type: Match the words on the left with their correct definitions on the right.

II. Fill in the Blanks. Use the words from the vocabulary matching list

outbreak, rural, restrict, transmit, vaccine, hydrated, deploy, jaundice, emergency, symptom

1. The yellow fever __________ began in September and has caused concern across Colombia.
   
   

2. Many cases were found in __________ areas like Tolima and Meta.
   
   

3. The government decided to __________ travel to highly affected zones.
   
   

4. The virus can __________ to humans through mosquito bites.
   
   

5. A single-dose __________ is being offered to prevent the disease.
   
   

6. Patients are advised to rest and stay __________ while recovering.
   
   

7. Medical teams will __________ to give vaccinations in affected communities.
   
   

8. In severe cases, patients develop __________, which causes yellowing of the skin.
   
   

9. The president declared a national __________ to handle the crisis.
   
   

10. Fever, muscle pain, and vomiting are common __________ of yellow fever.

III. Open-Ended Questions. Discuss your answers with your teacher.

1. What would you do if there was a yellow fever outbreak in your area?
   
   

2. Why do you think early action is important during a health crisis?
   
   

3. How can governments prepare for sudden increases in disease cases?
   
   

4. Do you think vaccines should be mandatory in emergency situations? Why or why not?
   
   

5. If you were part of the emergency team, what role would you want to take and why?

Thank you!

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/18/americas/colombia-yellow-fever-health-emergency-intl-latam/index.html