Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. It is characterized by fever, chills, muscle pains, and headaches. In some cases, liver damage and yellowing of the skin can occur. Diagnosis is generally confirmed through polymerase chain reaction testing of blood samples.
Symptoms
- Early Symptoms: Fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle pains (especially back pain), and headaches.
- Second Phase (in about 15% of cases): Return of fever, abdominal pain, and liver damage causing yellow skin (jaundice).
- Severe Complications: Bleeding and kidney problems can occur if the second phase develops.
Transmission:
- Yellow fever gets transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
- Primarily spread by Aedes aegypti in urban areas.
- Yellow fever transmits between humans, other primates, and several mosquito species.
Diagnosis:
- A blood-sample test with a polymerase chain reaction confirms suspected cases.
Treatment
- No specific cure for yellow fever exists. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Prevention:
- The primary prevention method is vaccination.
- Other measures include: using insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito control programs.
RELATED STORIES:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/yellow-fever
https://www.cdc.govfever/yellow-book/hcp/travel-associated-infections-diseases/yellow-fever.html
https://www.paho.org/en/topics/yellow-fever
http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470425/
https://www.pasteur.fr/en/medical-center/disease-sheets/yellow-
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