Paraguay is facing the first yellow fever outbreak after more than three decades, since 1974, and the Public Health Ministry already confirmed seven deaths caused by the yellow fever virus, which has been responsible for large epidemics on the African and American continents in the past.

Responsible for spreading the virus in South America are two different species of the Aedes and Haemogogus mosquitoes. The transmission to humans, and monkeys, is favored by mosquito bites, and people are facing such a risk whether they are at their homes or somewhere in the jungle.

Not only do these species of mosquito transmit the virus through biting, but they also transmit them to their offspring, which ensures the virus’ continuity for years to come. The virus has been reported both in rural and urban areas, and authorities have already started vaccination programs.

The first round of vaccines will be directed towards 300,000 people living in high-risk areas, but at the same time, the vaccination will continue until the yellow fever virus has stopped spreading. Health officials confirmed the seven deaths but refused to give any specific details until the lab tests will confirm the exact cause of death.

 No specific details were given about the seven victims until now, but the epidemic already spread throughout areas of Paraguay and Brazil. Other 689 people are suspected of yellow fever and are under constant supervision.

So far, vaccination proved to be a highly safe mean of yellow fever prevention, and it is the most efficient in stopping outbreaks from taking proportions. One vaccine will ensure protection against the virus for at least 10 years, WHO says, and in some cases for life.

The same organization reports that over the past two decades, the incidence of yellow fever cases has grown, and large areas of South America and Africa are exposed to risks of infection if the population is not vaccinated. In the past, several vaccination programs in these areas have been initiated, but they lacked continuity, at least for the last 30 years, allowing the mosquito populations to increase and favor outbursts of epidemics.