Quindian experts warn risks and incidence of infection of yellow fever in howls of Quimbaya.
Although no cases have been recorded in Quindío, measures will be extreme to mitigate possible cases.
Before the national alert for yellow fever and the increase in cases in Colombia, The municipality of Quimbaya, in the department of Quindío, has intensified its preventive actions to avoid the spread of the disease.
Although to date there have been no cases in Quindío, The presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, vector transmitting virus, and howlers, considered natural reservoirs, He has led the authorities to take additional measures.
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Carlos Alberto Gómez Chacón, Secretary of Health of Quindío, said that “Although so far there have been no urban cases in Quindío, the risk is maintained due to the presence of the transmitter mosquito in the region and the role played by primates in the chain of contagion; same that often inhabit the municipality of Quimbaya “.
Besides, In the department of Tolima, 47 contagions and 22 deaths have already been registered, which represents a lethality greater than 43 %, The secretary affirmed, a reason why prevention could save lives.
The portfolio leader stressed that The howling monkeys are sensitive to yellow fever and are considered sentries to detect the virus. This means that his death indicates that the virus is present in the area.
This is why the Ministry of Health, implemented a contingency plan that includes the intensification of epidemiological surveillance, vector control in various parts of the municipality and the promotion of vaccination days, especially in risk areas.
For its part, the epidemiologist Liliana Jaramillo stressed that “These actions focus on preventing infections, given the increase in mobility of people and the climatic conditions that favor the reproduction of the Aedes aegypti mosquito “.
In addition, collaboration with the Quindío Regional Autonomous Corporationto monitor the health of howlers in their natural habitats, such as “Sunset” in Quimbayaand a call is made to citizens to report any sighting of sick or dead primates, avoiding direct contact with these animals.
Health authorities reiterate the importance of yellow fever vaccination and maintain preventive measures, as the elimination of mosquito farms, to protect both the human population and the biodiversity of the territory.
Source: Information Information System
