The Colombian government declared a nationwide health emergency late Wednesday following a sharp rise in yellow fever infections across the country.

Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo confirmed that the outbreak has resulted in 74 confirmed cases and 34 deaths, prompting urgent national response measures to contain the virus.

The Ministry of Health has launched a mass vaccination campaign, particularly in rural and forested regions where the mosquito vector is highly active.

Jaramillo also noted that Colombia is coordinating with the World Health Organization and other international partners to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and provide additional vaccines and medical supplies.

Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted by mosquito bites, with symptoms ranging from acute fever and muscle pain to vomiting, and in severe cases, can cause liver or kidney failure.