Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus, and it is transmitted through the bite of Aedes or Haemagogus mosquitoes. It is endemic in tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. A single-dose vaccine provides effective and long-lasting protection.
Causes and Risk Factors of Yellow Fever
- The Yellow fever virus causes yellow fever, and it is transmitted via mosquito bites.
- It is endemic in African countries and South America. Unvaccinated individuals travelling to these endemic regions are at risk of developing Yellow fever.
Symptoms of Yellow Fever
Initial Symptoms: This stage appears after 3-6 days of exposure to the infection. It is characterised by sudden fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and anorexia. It may recover fully in 3-4 days.
Toxic Phase: This phase occurs in a few cases and is characterised by High fever, dark urine, abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding from the mucosa and gums, and renal failure, among other symptoms.
Complications of Yellow Fever
- Yellow fever has serious complications.
- Liver failure
- Renal failure
- The toxic phase leads to death due to multiorgan failure.
Diagnosis of Yellow Fever
- Diagnosis of Yellow fever is based on symptoms, travel history, vaccination history, and physical examination by a doctor.
- PCR test
- Serologic tests, such as IgM and ELISA, are used in vaccinated individuals.
Treatment of Yellow Fever
- Oral medications
- Intravenous symptomatic medications
- Intensive care in case of severe cases
- Prevention: Vaccination, a single dose of the 17D live-attenuated vaccine provides effective immunity within 10 days.
Diet and Lifestyle measures
- Eat a balanced diet
- Maintain hydration
- Avoid medication that increases bleeding risk, eg NSAID.
Prompt treatment and guidance are necessary to deal with viral infections, as symptoms may appear mild but worsen rapidly. Always consider seeking a doctor’s advice at the initial stage of symptoms.