Brazil on health alert after dozens come down with yellow fever
Article continues below
The Health Ministry confirmed that 152 suspected cases of the disease have been detected in 26 municipalities in rural parts of Minas Gerais, the country’s second most populous state, and authorities have sent more than 700,000 doses of vaccine and a support team to the region to collaborate in investigating and dealing with the situation.
In addition, the ministry will send 350,000 doses of vaccine to the neighboring state of Espirito Santo after the appearance of apparent yellow fever cases in cities near the border with Minas Gerais, which has declared a health emergency.
Health Minister Ricardo Barros said that although the authorities are on “alert,” the situation is “under control.”
“We have an alert. The recommendation for vaccination in 19 states is ongoing and the vaccine is available,” he said.
Minas Gerais Governor Fernando Pimentel promised that the authorities would provide all necessary aid to deal with the virus. ■