Brazil declares end to yellow fever outbreak that killed 261

SAO PAULO – Brazil’s Health Ministry has declared an end to a yellow fever outbreak that killed more 250 people over the past nine months.

The ministry said Wednesday that the last case of the mosquito-borne disease was in June. In total, 777 people were infected, of whom 261 died.

The outbreak was highly unusual in a country that typically sees a handful of cases each year. The disease also occurred in areas not previously considered at risk and where vaccination rates were low.

In response, Brazil mounted a massive vaccination campaign, sending out more than 36.7 million doses. Vaccination efforts are continuing since the ministry says the average coverage rate in areas that bore the brunt of the outbreak is around 60 per cent, below the target of 95 per cent.