Yellow Fever, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment

Yellow Fever is a disease caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. These mosquitoes and Yellow Fever are mainly found in certain parts of Africa and South America. The mosquitoes get the virus when they bite monkeys or other animals that have it. The virus can show its symptoms in different ways.

Yellow Fever Symptoms

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Yellow Fever Early Stage Symptoms (Days 1-3)

• Fever: Suddenly getting a high fever.
• Headache: having a strong headache, mostly in the front
• Muscle pain: feeling sore, especially in the back and knees.
• Chills: shivering and feeling cold.
• Loss of appetite: the inability to crave food.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up
• Weakness: feeling very tired and weak.

Yellow Fever Mid-Stage Symptoms (Days 4-7)

• Some people start feeling better during this time.

Yellow Fever Toxic Phase Symptoms (Day 7 and beyond)

• For some patients, the fever returns, and more severe symptoms may develop.
• The disease is named after the yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
• Abdominal pain refers to discomfort and pain in the abdomen.
• Yellow Fever can lead to liver and kidney failure.
• There may be bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach.

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Yellow Fever Prevention

• Vaccination: All individuals aged 9 months and older traveling to or living in areas at risk for Yellow Fever, and ideally, at least 10 days before travel to allow the vaccine to provide protection.
• Mosquito Protection: Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes, especially during the morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active. Sleep under a mosquito bed net, especially in places with a high risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
• Environmental Measures: Reduce standing water around your residence to minimize mosquito breeding.
• Travel Precautions: Before traveling, check with health authorities and follow their recommendations regarding Yellow Fever vaccination and precautions. Ensure you have a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) if required to enter certain countries.
• Seek medical attention: Be aware of Yellow Fever symptoms. If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention. This Fever is diagnosed through a blood test; early medical evaluation is important for appropriate care.

Yellow Fever Treatment

• Hospitalization: Hospitalization is often necessary for close monitoring and intensive care.
• Symptomatic Relief : Prescribed medications to reduce fever and relieve pain. Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, especially if there's vomiting or an inability to drink.
• Monitoring and Management of Complications: If there's bleeding, healthcare providers will monitor and manage it, which may include blood transfusions. Addressing complications like liver and kidney dysfunction. Adequate rest is needed to allow the body to recover. Addressing discomfort and providing a conducive environment for recovery.
• Isolation: Infected individuals are isolated to prevent mosquitoes from biting them and spreading the virus. Continued monitoring for potential complications even after the acute phase.

Yellow Fever Diagnosis

Clinical Evaluation

• Symptoms Assessment : Healthcare providers assess the patient's symptoms, including high fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
• Travel History : In-depth questioning about recent travel to regions where Yellow Fever is prevalent is crucial for diagnosis.

Laboratory Tests

• Blood Tests : A blood sample is taken to identify the Yellow Fever virus or detect antibodies produced in response to the infection.
• Liver Function Tests : Assessing liver enzymes helps evaluate the impact of the virus on liver function .

Serological Tests

• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) : This test helps detect specific antibodies against the virus.
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) : Molecular testing to directly identify the presence of the virus's genetic material.

Differential Diagnosis

Consultation with Health Authorities

Yellow Fever Causes

Yellow Fever Vaccine