What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow Fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily found in South America and Africa. The disease is caused by the yellow fever virus, part of the flavivirus family, and is primarily spread through the bites of infected Aedes or Haemagogus species mosquitoes.
How Do I Get It?
The yellow fever virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes breed near human habitats and are most active during the day, increasing the risk of transmission.
What Happens?
Yellow Fever is a serious disease that affects multiple organs in the body, including the heart, lungs, and bowel. It can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and hemorrhagic symptoms (uncontrolled bleeding). In severe cases, around 15% of people develop a more toxic form of the disease, which can be fatal in 20-50% of cases.
What Can I Do About It?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Yellow Fever, and care is primarily supportive. The most effective preventive measure is vaccination. The yellow fever vaccine is highly effective and provides lifelong immunity for most people. Additionally, many countries, especially those where the disease is prevalent, require proof of vaccination for entry to prevent the spread of the virus.