Yellow Fever
Yellow fever virus, a flavivirus, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms include fever and chills, severe headache, back pain, general muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, and weakness. This phase may be followed by a short period of symptom remission.
Later symptioms my include high fever, headache, back pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Hepatic coagulopathy produces hemorrhagic symptoms, including hematemesis (black vomit), epistaxis (nose bleed), gum bleeding, and petechial and purpuric hemorrhages (bruising). Deepening jaundice and proteinuria frequently occur in severe cases.
Prevention
Preventative Measures (non-drug)
- Use insect repellent containing DEET.
- Wear long sleeves and pants especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active.
- Avoid wearing dark colors
- Avoid wearing scented things such as perfume, cologne and cometics
- Use mosquito netting When sleeping.
Preventative Measures (vaccine)
Yellow fever vaccine is a live virus vaccine which has been used for several decades. A single dose confers immunity lasting 10 years or more. If a person is at continued risk of yellow fever infection, a booster dose is needed every 10 years. Adults and children over 9 months can take this vaccine.
