Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever refers to the yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). 

The mosquitoes causing the fever are particularly active during daytime, especially around sunrise and sunset.

Mosquito Diseases

  

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Symptoms

The incubation period (time from infection until symptoms) is typically 3–6 days. 

Most patients effortlessly recover after an illness lasting under 5 days during which they suffer from symptoms including sudden fever, chills, headache, joint and muscle pain, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, backache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and dehydration.

In 15% of cases, the fever comes back and after abdominal pain, liver damage begins, causing yellowing skin, increasing the risk of shock, internal bleeding, and kidney failure. Half these patients die from the virus within 10-14 days.

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Prevention & Treatment

Best Prevention is to use a 50% DEET product to avoid mosquito bites complemented by mosquito nets.

There is no cure for yellow fever. Infected individuals must be hospitalized. The quick deterioration of organs usually means staying in intensive care, where a symptomatic treatment including rehydration and pain relief is recommended.

Here again, prevention is key, and people travelling to countries affected by the disease should be vaccinated against yellow fever.

Moreover, always use a mosquito net and insect repellent when outdoors. A short exposure is enough for a potential mosquito bite…

If you suspect you have yellow fever, seek immediate supportive care to relieve your symptoms and mention that you have travelled to a yellow fever zone.