A viral infection that is caused by infected mosquitoes is called yellow fever. It often occurs when these mosquitoes bite people. While some people with this condition experience mild symptoms such as body aches or fever, others may experience severe ones (including organ failure). This condition can be prevented with a vaccine. If you ignore the symptoms and do not get treatment, the infection can be fatal.
Mostly, it is diagnosed in Africa and South America in the tropics and subtropics. These mosquitoes get the virus when they bite infected animals. The symptoms often appear within a few days after exposure to the virus.
Generally, this is a common condition that affects about 200,000 people worldwide each year. It also accounts for 30,000 deaths per year, and usually, people die in Africa (approximately 90% of deaths).
People who live or work in the jungles of subtropical and tropical Africa and South America are more likely to develop yellow fever.
Symptoms
Sometimes, people do not experience any symptoms. However, when they occur, you may notice the following symptoms. Examples include:
In some cases, yellow fever may cause severe symptoms. These include:
- High fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Hemorrhage (bleeding)
- Shock
- Liver or kidney failure
- Death
Approximately 30% of people who develop yellow fever die. It often happens due to a severe form of the disease.
Causes
This viral infection is caused by an infected mosquito bite. Yellow fever often spreads in tropical and subtropical Africa (Saharan Africa) and South America. However, this condition is not contagious. It means the virus cannot spread from one person to another through kissing or coughing. However, if a mosquito bites you and then another person, it may infect other people, too.
Risk Factors
There are some factors that may increase your risk of developing yellow fever. Check some of them below:
- Vaccination – It is recommended to keep up-to-date vaccinations against yellow fever. Otherwise, the risk of developing it significantly increases.
- Mosquito activity – It is recommended to wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt if you are outdoors during part of the day when mosquitoes are active.
- Geographic location – If you live, travel, or work in areas where yellow fever is common, the risk of developing it increases.
- Age – While it may affect anyone, it usually occurs in children and young adults.
- Weakened immune system – If you have health conditions or take medicines that suppress the immune system, you should avoid areas where the infection is common. Otherwise, you may develop a severe form of the disease.
This article does not contain all possible factors that could increase the risk of yellow fever. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
What Are The Potential Complications of Yellow Fever?
People with yellow fever may experience some complications, especially if they develop a severe form of the infection or do not get treatment. Check some examples below:
- Secondary bacterial infections
- Shock
- Liver or kidney failure
- Parotitis (salivary gland infection)
- DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
- Coma
- Death
Discuss with your healthcare professional about ways to reduce the risk or prevent complications if you develop yellow fever.
How to Prevent Yellow Fever?
There are some tips that may help prevent this infection, especially if you spend a lot of time in areas where infection is common. These include:
- Consider a mosquito repellent with DEET
- You should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts that are treated with mosquito repellent
- It is recommended to use a bug net if you do not have air conditioning or screens on the windows
- Do not get outdoors when mosquitoes are active. It means dusk to dawn, but mosquitoes that carry the virus that causes yellow fever may feed even during the daytime.
Diagnosis
Physicians usually diagnose this infection based on symptoms. They often perform a physical examination to check for irregularities linked to the disease and may ask some questions about the symptoms and places you have recently visited. In some cases, doctors may perform blood tests to check whether the virus that causes yellow fever is present or not.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure or treat yellow fever. That’s why it is very important to get the vaccine and avoid mosquitoes. Physicians may also recommend drinking plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. However, you should avoid Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because these medications may cause bleeding. People who develop a severe form of yellow fever usually are hospitalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is yellow fever the same as malaria?
No, there are significant differences between these conditions, but both infections are spread by mosquitoes, cause fever and flu-like symptoms, may cause jaundice, severe sickness, and even death.
However, malaria is caused by a parasite, while yellow fever is due to a virus. However, there is no vaccine available to prevent malaria. Discuss with your healthcare professional if you plan to travel to areas where yellow fever or malaria is common.
How long did the yellow fever pandemic in the United States last?
The first outbreak of yellow fever started in the 1600s. The worst outbreak of this infection occurred in Philadelphia in 1793. Approximately 10% of the population of the city died from this viral infection. The last yellow fever outbreak happened in New Orleans in 1905.
Does yellow fever still exist today?
Yes, people can develop this viral infection, especially if they travel in tropical or subtropical areas in Africa and South America.
What is the mortality rate for yellow fever?
Generally, the case-fatality rate for yellow fever is 20% to 50%. One way to get immune to this viral infection is vaccination. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any other questions.
