Yellow Fever Symptoms
Yellow fever is a viral infection, transmitted by mosquitoes. In the jungle environment, Haemogogus mosquitoes are the cause of infection, whereas in an urban environment, Anopheles aegypti mosquitoes are the culprit.
It is endemic in Central Africa, Central America and the northern half of South America.
Whilst not always serious, it can be fatal. In its more benign form it can resemble dengue fever.
Common symptoms and physical signs usually present 2-6 days after exposure, and include
- loss of appetite
- fever
- headache
- vomiting
- backache
- reddening of tongue and eyes
- flushed face
In mild cases the only symptoms may be headache and fever, or a dengue-like illness with chills, fever and severe muscle pain. In the most severe cases, when death may occur, it develops into a haemorrhagic illness, when the body’s clotting mechanisms fail and you get bleeding into the inner organs. Jaundice (yellow skin) is a sign that the illness is more severe.
Treatment for yellow fever:
Specific treatment for yellow fever will be determined by your physician based on:
- your overall health and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment consists of supportive measures only, there are no drugs to treat the virus. Immunisation is therefore vital and all the more important as it is virtually 100% effective. Immunity lasts for at least 10 years.
Some countries make immunisation mandatory for entry.
Yellow fever vaccine should not be given to anyone whose immune system is suppressed by disease or by drugs and to those who have had an anaphylactic reaction to egg or severe reactions to antibiotics Neomycin or Polymyxin. Children under 9 months old should be vaccinated only if the risk of yellow fever is unavoidable as they have an increased risk of a significant reaction to the vaccine. Pregnant women should also be vaccinated only if the risk of yellow fever cannot be avoided as there is an increased risk of adverse reaction.
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Although it is a rare disease, many countries require that visitors have the yellow fever vaccination prior to entering the country.
Generally, yellow fever only occurs in Africa and South America. In South America, infections occur sporadically, and usually among forestry and agricultural workers. In Africa, infections occur primarily in the tropical areas of western and central, but also in urban locations as well as jungle regions.
Who is at risk for contracting yellow fever?
Yellow fever can affect both sexes, all ages and races.
How is yellow fever spread?
A certain type of mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is most often responsible for transmitting the virus.
How is yellow fever spread?
A certain type of mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is most often responsible for transmitting the virus.
What are the symptoms of yellow fever?
The following are the most common symptoms of yellow fever. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: flu-like symptoms (i.e., fever, headache, vomiting, and backache)
- slow and weak pulse
- bleeding of the gums
- bloody urine
- jaundice
How can yellow fever be prevented?
There is a vaccine available for yellow fever. Because transmission of yellow fever no longer occurs within the United States, it is important for travelers to talk with their physicians about the need to be immunized prior to visiting areas where yellow fever still exists. It is believed that people who have had yellow fever develop lifelong immunity.