Yellow Fever: What you need to know

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily in tropical regions of Africa and South America. It can cause severe symptoms and, in some cases, be fatal. Here is a clear and concise overview to help you better understand this disease.

What is yellow fever?

Yellow fever is caused by a virus of the Flaviviridae family, transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes or Haemagogus genera . It takes its name from the jaundice (yellowing of the skin) that affects some patients due to liver damage.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. They vary in severity:

• Initial phase: fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea and fatigue.

• Severe phase (in 15 to 25% of cases): Jaundice, bleeding (nose, gums, or under the skin), liver and kidney failure, which can lead to death.

Transmission

Yellow fever is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which transmit the virus between humans or between primates (natural reservoirs) and humans. It is not transmitted directly from person to person.

Prevention

The best way to prevent yellow fever is through vaccination, which provides effective protection for at least 10 years, or even for life. Other measures include:

• Use of mosquito repellents.

• Wear protective clothing in high-risk areas.

• Mosquito nets were installed on the windows and around the beds.

• Eliminating stagnant water to reduce mosquito breeding.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow fever. Management consists of relieving symptoms (rest, hydration, fever and pain medication) and, in severe cases, providing intensive care.

Travelers: Good to know

If you are travelling to an area where yellow fever is endemic, check whether vaccination is required or recommended. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Consult a vaccination center or your doctor before you leave.

Conclusion

Yellow fever remains a threat in some parts of the world, but it can be prevented through vaccination and simple protective measures. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to travel safely.

Sources

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Yellow fever . Available at: https://www.who.int/fr/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/yellow-fever

• Pasteur Institute. (2022). Yellow fever: a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes . Available at: https://www.pasteur.fr/fr/centre-medical/fiches-maladies/fievre-jaune

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Yellow Fever . Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/index.html

For more information, consult the websites of the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Pasteur Institute .