Yellow Fever is a serious viral infection, which is spread by the Aedes Egyptii mosquito and is endemic in Africa and South America.

In indigenous populations, the fatality rate is approximately 5%, however in travellers visiting endemic areas, this rate can rise to 50%.

Initial symptoms occur 3 to 6 days after exposure and include fever, nausea, vomiting, stomachache, headache and muscle pain. In severe cases jaundice occurs which is the classic symptom of Yellow Fever, yellow skin and eyes.

Seek professional medical advice prior to visiting a high risk area. There is no treatment for Yellow Fever, this disease can only be prevented by immunisation and mosquito bite avoidance, see our section on prevention.

Travellers should alert their GP of any fever illness occurring after leaving an endemic area.