Quick Facts about Yellow Fever

Source: cnn.com

I came across these facts on yellow fever which were shared by the Resolution Health Medical Advisory Team and I felt like sharing it since there is an outbreak. Information is power and when it comes to diseases, prevention is way better than cure.

 

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted primarily by mosquitoes and leads to serious illness and even death. In severe infections, the victim’s skin turns yellow (jaundice) hence its name. It’s common in Africa and South America.

 

Key facts about yellow fever

1. It is an acute viral disease transmitted by mosquito bites  
2. Up to half of the severely infected persons will die if not treated.  
3. Globally, 84 000 to170 000 people get infected and up to 60 000 deaths due to yellow fever per year.  
4. The virus is common in tropical areas of Africa and Latin America, with a combined population of over 900 million people.  
5. The number of yellow fever cases has been decreasing over the past 10 years since the launch of Yellow Fever Initiative in 2006.
6. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Treatment is symptomatic, aimed at reducing the symptoms for the comfort of the patient.
7. Vaccination is the most important preventive measure against yellow fever. 

Signs and symptoms

Following infection, the virus stays in the body for 3 to 6 days, before symptoms develop.

The first phase usually causes fever, muscle pain with prominent backache, headache, shivers, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting.

Most patients improve and their symptoms disappear after 3 to 4 days.

However, about 15% of the infected progress to more toxic phase within 24 hours of the initial remission. High fever returns with

• Rapid development of jaundice (yellow coloration of eyes, skin )
• Abdominal pain with vomiting.
• Bleeding can occur from the mouth, nose, eyes or stomach with blood appearance in the vomit and stool.
• Kidney function deteriorates.  

Note Half of the patients who enter the toxic phase die within 10 to 14 days, the rest recover without significant organ damage.

 

Diagnosis

Yellow fever is difficult to diagnose, especially during the early stages. It can be confused with severe malaria, viral hepatitis.

Blood tests can detect yellow fever antibodies produced in response to the infection.

 

Source: medicalpicturesinfo.com

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for yellow fever, only supportive care to manage dehydration, respiratory failure, and fever. Associated bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. Supportive care may improve outcomes for seriously ill patients.

 

Prevention of Yellow Fever

a) Get Vaccinated if Recommended

Includes those traveling to affected areas, since non-native people tend to suffer more severe illness when infected.

Protection begins by the 10th day after vaccine administration in 95% of people, and lasts for at least 10 years. About 81% of people are still immune after 30 years.

 

b) Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Use treated mosquito nets and insect repellents
• Wear proper clothing to reduce mosquito bites.
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours.

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