Description of the situation
17 March 1999
Disease Outbreak Reported
Since January 1999 there have been 14 additional laboratory confirmed cases. The last case occurred on February 8, 1999. The Department of Santa Cruz continues to be the only department reporting cases of yellow fever since the beginning of the year. Similarly to the 27 cases previously reported, the new cases are primarily being reported from the area between the provinces of Vallegrande and Cordillera. Cases have also been reported for the first time in the provinces of Velasco and Nuflo de Chavez. The age distribution of the 41 cases is 81% aged over 15 years, 7% aged 10 to 15 years, and 12% under 10 years. The case fatality rate is 34%. Bolivia has responded to this outbreak by immunizing individuals in all age groups in affected areas.
* Source: Ministry of Health, Bolivia March 1999.