Yellow Fever: A Severe Tropical Disease
Yellow fever is a severe tropical disease that is spread to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is mainly transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in urban areas and by mosquitoes of the genera Haemagogus and Sabethes in jungle areas.
Endemic in Africa and South America
The disease is endemic in Africa and South America, where it has caused devastating epidemics throughout history. While vaccines have greatly reduced the burden of this disease, it is still present in many tropical regions and remains a major threat to public health.
Vaccination is Highly Recommended
Vaccination is highly recommended for anyone traveling to an area where yellow fever is a risk. A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine is usually sufficient for most travelers. It is important to discuss vaccination with your doctor before you travel to a country at risk for this disease.
Symptoms and the Most Dangerous Phase
Once the virus enters the body, it incubates for 3 to 6 days before symptoms appear. Most people do not have any symptoms, but a small percentage of infected people develop a more serious illness that can cause liver damage and yellow skin. This is the most dangerous phase of yellow fever, and it may lead to death.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are diagnosed with yellow fever, you will need to take care of yourself while you are ill and have a medical provider monitor you closely. Your provider will perform a physical exam and order blood tests to determine the severity of your condition.
Self-Care and Medication
You should also make sure you drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet to help keep your immune system strong. You should rest and try to avoid activities that make you tired or irritable, such as sitting or lying down for long periods of time. In some cases, a medical provider will prescribe medicines to help control the pain and fever. These medications should be taken carefully, and the doses should not be increased if you are experiencing any side effects.
Seeking Medical Assistance
Your health care provider will need to know when and where you were infected and how you were treated, so you can get a proper diagnosis. You will also need to have a urine test and blood test, and you should be tested for the presence of other infections. If your blood test shows high levels of the yellow fever virus, you will need to see a physician as soon as possible. Your doctor will check your vital signs, do a physical exam, and ask about your medications. If your test shows you have yellow fever, you will be prescribed medicines to treat the symptoms and prevent further complications from developing.
Treatments and Recovery
Treatments for yellow fever typically involve supportive measures that include taking a warm bath, drinking fluids, and using over-the-counter or prescription drugs to relieve pain and fever. If you have any serious symptoms, such as vomiting or internal bleeding, you should be hospitalized immediately to receive treatment for these conditions. While there is no cure for the disease, most people can recover fully after 3 to 4 days of illness. However, some people will go through a second more serious stage of the infection that can cause liver and kidney failure, and even death.