TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is Yellow Fever?
- Risk Factors
- Causes of Yellow Fever
- Symptoms of Yellow Fever
- Diagnosis
- Yellow Fever Complications
- Treatment for Yellow Fever
- Yellow Fever Prevention
- When to See a Doctor
What Is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a serious and potentially fatal disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The term “yellow” refers to one of its main symptoms, jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
This disease is most commonly found in tropical countries, particularly in parts of Africa, Central America, and South America. Although yellow fever cannot be cured, it is preventable with the yellow fever vaccine.
Risk Factors
Individuals who have not received the yellow fever vaccine and live in areas with high mosquito populations are at greater risk of contracting the disease.
People who frequently travel to yellow fever-endemic regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa and South America are also at heightened risk.
Causes of Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is caused by a virus from the Flavivirus genus. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.
The virus can also be transmitted through infected blood, such as from a contaminated needle.
Symptoms of Yellow Fever
Yellow fever symptoms occur in three phases:
Incubation Phase
This stage lasts 1–3 days after infection. There are no visible signs or symptoms during this phase.
Acute Phase
Occurring between days 3 to 4 after infection, symptoms may appear and then disappear. Common symptoms in this stage include:
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Redness in the eyes, face, or tongue
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
Toxic Phase
Symptoms may reappear more severely in this phase, and may include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Slow heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding from the eyes
- Reduced urine output and kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Neurological decline, including delirium, seizures, and coma.
Diagnosis
In its early stages, yellow fever can be difficult to diagnose because it mimics other diseases like malaria, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis, other hemorrhagic fevers, or poisoning.
Doctors typically perform blood tests such as RT-PCR to detect the virus during the early stage. In later stages, antibody tests like ELISA or PRNT are used.
Yellow Fever Complications
Complications often arise during the toxic phase and may include:
- Hemorrhaging
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
- Pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs)
- Hepatorenal syndrome (kidney failure due to liver damage)
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Secondary bacterial infections
Treatment for Yellow Fever
Currently, there is no specific cure for yellow fever. However, supportive treatments may include:
- Oxygen therapy
- Adequate hydration with fluids or drinking water
- Intravenous fluids to stabilize blood pressure
- Antipyretics (fever-reducing medications) and pain relievers
Yellow Fever Prevention
Preventive measures for yellow fever include:
- Vaccination, especially for travelers heading to high-risk regions like Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It is recommended to get vaccinated at least 3–4 weeks prior to travel.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Minimizing outdoor activities, especially from late afternoon until dawn
- Installing mosquito screens on windows
- Using air conditioning
- Sleeping under mosquito nets
- Applying mosquito repellent. When using repellent on infants and children, choose products specifically designed for their age group
- Using natural alternatives such as eucalyptus oil to prevent mosquito bites
When to See a Doctor
Visit your doctor before traveling to regions where yellow fever is endemic, ideally 4 weeks in advance to determine if you need the vaccine.
You should also see a doctor after returning from travel, especially if you show symptoms associated with the disease. A comprehensive health check is advised.
If you’ve already taken preventive measures but still experience symptoms that interfere with daily activities, seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening.
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References:
Healthline. Accessed in 2025. Yellow Fever: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis
Mayo Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Yellow Fever – Symptoms and Causes
WHO. Accessed in 2025. Yellow Fever
CDC. Accessed in 2025. Yellow Fever Home
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