Paraguay, Brazil hit by yellow fever outbreak

A recent outbreak of yellow fever has affected people in Paraguay and Brazil as health officials try to control the situation. At least fifteen people have died in Brazil and seven in Paraguay from the disease which is transmitted through infected mosquitoes and could be fatal.

The World Health Organization has sent 4 million doses of vaccine to Paraguay though tempers have flared over the vaccines’ distribution and usage:

Paraguay has declared a state of emergency to last 90 days.

The mood of those queuing outside medical centers has become increasingly impatient.

At one medical centre, police in riot gear were reported to have been used to protect the building, as an angry crowd gathered outside.

The government has dismissed as "irresponsible" allegations that health workers have been vaccinating politicians in their homes.

Meanwhile, travelers in the U.S. that have planned to go to Paraguay and Brazil have had trouble getting the yellow fever vaccine since the medicine is in short supply and the cost is not covered under certain health care plans.

Sources- Centers for Disease Control, UPI, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Associated Press, BBC News, Xinhua

Image- Los Angeles Times (“Residents of Luque, Paraguay, stand in line to be vaccinated against yellow fever.”)