The Reality of The Yellow Fever Epidemic in Brazil
The incidence of yellow fever in Brazil has increased dramatically in recent years. Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated during 2016 in the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding areas of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo. Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated throughout Brazil by mid-May next year due to the failure of proper immunization programs. It is the worst outbreak in decades. Within a month, the death toll had dropped to 400.
Mosquitoes live in the dense forests of Brazil. Mosquitoes act as carriers of the yellow fever virus. Another significant factor is that yellow fever can spread from primates to humans. Yellow fever spreads easily from the Golden Lion Tamarin Monkey (a species of monkey) to the human species in mixed forests of Brazil. Although mosquitoes are the carriers of the virus, the human species is making the situation worse. As more and more people are clearing trees and building settlements deeper in the forest, the difference between the habitat of humans and monkeys is diminishing. By destroying biodiversity, people are going to make the coming epidemics even more terrible.
Challenges to the immunization program
The Yellow Virus vaccine was discovered almost a century ago, but sadly, the world has not yet reached a stage to control yellow fever. In 2018, Brazil’s health minister announced a vaccination program. Under this program, a target has been set to vaccinate at least 80 million of Brazil’s 21 million people. Despite the promising results in some municipalities (95% success), it was not possible to vaccinate 50% of the population in the big cities despite many difficulties.
Most Brazilians distrust their government when it comes to public health. Corruption is so deeply ingrained in Brazilian politics that it is difficult for its citizens to trust anything right and effective. Although they announced that they would provide free vaccinations to all, the reasoning for the citizens’ distrust was that these vaccinations were not intended to protect their health but to benefit a particular group and government. And as a result, this huge undertaking almost failed.
In addition to corruption and mistrust, another major factor was the spread of rumors and misleading information. The Associated Press reports. Most of the misconceptions surrounding vaccination are fabricated information based on past programs. And social media is working like pouring ghee on a burning fire. WhatsApp has played a vital role in spreading rumors in Brazil. Usually, people are more familiar with the WhatsApp contact list. In this way, even if a misinformation message comes from family, friends, colleagues, people quickly believe it is true.
One of the rumors was that the ticker would no longer be effective due to mutations in the virus. The rumor spread so widely that the Ministry of Health was finally forced to notify this effect. It is said that mutations in the virus do not affect the effectiveness of the vaccine. In addition to these, mismanagement is largely responsible for the failure of immunization programs.
They should preserve biodiversity
they should note that the monkey vaccination program is an indirect step. There is no chance of forgetting the beginning of the problem. Keep in mind that as the distance between humans and forest dwellers decreases by destroying biodiversity, the likelihood of further epidemics increases, and the severity increases. In addition, since the monkeys have already been vaccinated, it is hoped that they will not be infected, at least soon.