Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, posing a serious health risk to travelers visiting endemic regions due to its potential for severe complications and high mortality rates.
- Yellow Fever is a potentially life threatening disease transmitted by mosquitoes and there is no cure.
- Yellow Fever is endemic in the Amazon basin in South America and in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- You may require an official certification of Yellow Fever vaccination if your itinerary includes parts of South America or Africa.
- Without proof of Yellow Fever vaccination, you could be prevented from entering your destination country.
- The Yellow Fever vaccine is only available from a certified Yellow Fever Vaccine clinic/provider.
- In 2015, the World Health Organization eliminated the requirement for a Yellow Fever booster every 10 years. The vaccine is now designated as “good for life” no matter when it was administered.
What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes and Haemagogus species. It is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. The disease gets its name from the jaundice that affects some patients, turning their skin and eyes yellow. Yellow Fever can range from a mild infection to a severe disease, leading to bleeding, organ failure, and death.
What are the symptoms of Yellow Fever?
Symptoms of Yellow Fever typically appear 3 to 6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Early symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle aches. Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. While many people recover after this initial phase, approximately 15% of patients enter a second, more toxic phase within 24 hours, characterized by high fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, and kidney failure. The fatality rate for those who enter this toxic phase can be as high as 50%.
How dangerous is Yellow Fever?
Yellow Fever is a potentially deadly disease, particularly for those who develop the severe form of the infection. The toxic phase of Yellow Fever can lead to severe complications such as liver and kidney failure, bleeding disorders, and shock. The risk of death is significant without proper medical treatment. Due to its high mortality rate and potential for causing large outbreaks, Yellow Fever is a major public health concern in endemic areas.
Who should get vaccinated ?
Individuals who should get vaccinated for Yellow Fever include:
- Travelers to areas where Yellow Fever is endemic, including parts of Africa and South America
- Residents of regions where Yellow Fever is present
- People who work in laboratories handling the Yellow Fever virus
- Individuals participating in activities that expose them to mosquitoes in endemic areas
Who is not at risk?
Individuals who are generally not at risk for Yellow Fever include:
- People who have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever
- Those living in non-endemic areas with no travel plans to affected regions
- Individuals who practice effective mosquito control measures and avoid mosquito bites in endemic areas
Where is Yellow Fever commonly found in overseas countries?
Yellow Fever is commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas of:
- Africa
- South America
Countries in these regions may have large areas where Yellow Fever is endemic. Travelers to these regions should take preventive measures, including vaccination, to reduce their risk of infection. It is important to check the latest travel health advisories and maps indicating Yellow Fever risk areas before planning a trip to these countries.
How can Yellow Fever be prevented?
Yellow Fever can be effectively prevented through vaccination, which is highly recommended for travelers to endemic areas and individuals living in or visiting high-risk regions. The vaccine provides lifelong immunity for most people. In addition to vaccination, preventing mosquito bites is crucial. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, sleeping under mosquito nets, and staying in accommodations with screened or air-conditioned rooms. Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed can also help reduce the risk of Yellow Fever transmission.