Overview
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can range from a mild flu-like illness to severe disease with jaundice and bleeding. It occurs in parts of tropical Africa and South America, so it is relevant to travellers heading to those regions. A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine gives long-lasting protection, and many countries require proof of vaccination for entry. There is no specific cure, so prevention is everything.
Symptoms
- Sudden fever and chills
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain, especially the back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Yellow eyes or skin (severe phase)
- Bleeding or dark urine (severe phase)
Causes & risk factors
- Bite from an infected Aedes mosquito
- Not being vaccinated before travel to a yellow fever area
- Living in or travelling to a region where yellow fever circulates
Treatment & self-care
Treatment is supportive — rest, fluids and fever control under medical supervision, with hospital care for severe cases. The yellow fever vaccine from a travel clinic is the most reliable protection before visiting an affected region. Insect repellent, mosquito nets and covering up also reduce risk.
See a doctor urgently if
- Fever with yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Bleeding from any site or vomiting blood
- Fever that improves then returns worse after a day or two
- Confusion or very little urine