Introduction

Today’s topic is yellow fever. Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, characterized by high fever and jaundice.

Severity and Prevalence

Yellow fever can be chronic and life-threatening, leading to internal bleeding, organ damage, and sometimes death. The World Health Organization reports about 84,000 cases in 2013 with 29,000 to 60,000 fatalities. It’s more prevalent in subtropical and tropical areas of Africa, the Caribbean, and South America.

Transmission and Causes

The disease is transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. It’s caused by a flavivirus of the Flaviviridae family. Recovered individuals may likely be immune for life.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include area of travel, season, duration of exposure, activities during travel, immunization status, and local transmission rates.

Symptoms

Symptoms occur in two stages:

Initial Acute Stage

High fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, chills, and body aches.

Toxic Stage

More severe symptoms including organ failure, recurring fever, coma, hemorrhage, seizure, jaundice, and bleeding. Most people who develop toxic stage symptoms die within two weeks.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is confirmed through blood tests. No effective antiviral medication exists. Treatment aims to assist the immune system and relieve symptoms, often requiring hospitalization and intensive care.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Overview

The yellow fever vaccine is a single-dose vaccine providing lifelong immunity. It’s typically available at travel clinics and should be taken about 10 days before travel.

How It Works

The vaccine contains a weakened version of the virus, stimulating your immune system to build antibodies.

Considerations

Side effects are usually mild. The vaccine is not recommended for young children, people with severe egg allergies, or those with weakened immune systems.

Conclusion

Ensure vaccination before traveling to affected areas. If you suspect yellow fever during travel, consult a doctor immediately.