Description of the situation
04 November 1998
Disease Outbreak Reported
In October 1998, Venezuela reported to Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) an outbreak of yellow fever with 14 cases and 3 deaths.
The cases occurred among the Yanomami Indians who live in region of Parima within the Alto Orinoco County in the State of Amazonas, along the border with Brazil. The cases were identified between the epidemiological weeks 30th and 36th. Ten cases (71%) were male and 4 (19%) female. The age distribution of the cases is: 29% over 30 years of age; 50% between 20 and 30 years of age; and 21% between 5 and 19 years. All the cases were confirmed by laboratory testing: 11 had IgM positive and virus was isolated from 3 cases. One of the fatalities also had a liver specimen positive by the immunohistochemical analysis.
To prevent new cases a vaccination program was implemented, targeting 177 Indian villages (population of 8,776). The program was able to reach a vaccination coverage of 86%.
Source: Vigilancia Epidemiologica del Ministerio de Sanidad y Assistencia social de Venezuela