Although the Yanomami population has suffered most from the latest outbreak, MSAS Epidemiology director, Rafael Borges says at least 20,000 indians are at risk. We have sent 78,000 vaccines to be distributed between Puerto Ayacucho, San Fernando de Apure, Ciudad Bolivar and el Alto Orinoco. Araina says it'll take at least 2 to 3 weeks because the Yanomami dwellings are situated in isolated regions.
Doctors believe the yellow fever virus has been brought in from Brazil.
Borges avoided questions on the controversial measure proposed by US anthropologist Napoleon Chagnon and former Youth Minister, Charles Brewer Carias to bring in US doctors to solve the health crisis. The yellow fever outbreak has heightened tension and verbal cross-fire between Evangelical New Tribes member, Alto Orinoco Mayor Jaime Turon and the Roman Catholic vicarate based in Puerto Ayacucho. Mission vicar-general, Jose Bortoli says the mayor's complaints that the Vicariate is responsible for yellow fever deaths because it opposed the presence of US doctors in the area, is pure political manipulation. Your reader comments are always welcome.