Yellow fever

What is Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is a serious, potentially deadly flu-like disease spread by mosquitoes. Characterized by a high fever and jaundice, it is most prevalent in certain parts of Africa and South America. The disease is not curable, but is preventable with the yellow fever vaccine.

Mosquitoes breed in tropical rainforests, humid and semi-humid environments, and around bodies of still water. Increased contact between humans and infected mosquitoes, particularly in areas where people have not been vaccinated for yellow fever, can create small-scale epidemics.

Who Is at Risk?

Those who haven’t been vaccinated for yellow fever and who live in areas populated by infected mosquitoes are at risk. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 200,000 people become infected each year (WHO). Most cases occur in 32 countries in Africa, including Rwanda and Sierra, and in 13 countries in Latin America, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (WHO).
Cases of yellow fever can also be transmitted to other countries that aren’t normally affected, if conditions allow.
However, for one reason or another, the disease has never been reported in Asia.
 

 

 

Stage 1

Called the “acute” stage, the first phase usually lasts for three to four days. In addition to the headaches and fever, victims may experience flushing, loss of appetite, shivers, and backache.

Stage 2

Called the “remission” stage, this is the period when symptoms go away. The person gradually starts to feel better. Many people recover fully at this stage. Others, however, will get worse within about 24 hours.

Stage 3

Called the “toxic” phase, this is the most serious of the three phases. Symptoms will return, along with new symptoms, including decreased urination, abdominal pain, and vomiting (sometimes with blood). Other symptoms occurring at this phase include heart rhythm problems, liver failure (which may show up as jaundice — a yellowing of the skin and eyes), kidney failure, seizures, delirium, and possibly bleeding from the nose, mouth, and eyes. This phase of the disease is often fatal.