Yellow Fever

July 13, 2023

Dr. Benyamin Mansoori

MD, FRACGP, FACAM
Advance Diploma in General Dermatology
Diploma of Cosmetic Medicine

Yellow fever is a disease that spreads through the bites of Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes, which are carriers of an arbovirus. This illness represents a significant health concern worldwide and can spread in both domestic and wilderness settings. After a 3 to 6 day incubation period, some individuals may remain symptom-free, while others may present with fever, muscle discomfort, headaches, and digestive issues. In extreme instances, patients may enter a toxic phase marked by a high fever, damage to organs, jaundice, bleeding, and potentially a high fatality rate.

There is no dedicated antiviral treatment for yellow fever. Suggested patient care involves rest, hydration, and seeking professional medical assistance. Depending on the severity of the case, treatment might focus on symptom management, complication prevention, and treating any concurrent bacterial infections. Diagnosis can be complex, but PCR tests in the early stages or antibody tests later on can aid in confirming yellow fever.

The key preventive measure against yellow fever is vaccination. One dose of the yellow fever vaccine typically provides lifelong immunity, and boosters are usually not required. It takes about 10 to 30 days post-vaccination for the vaccine to start working effectively. However, certain individuals, such as infants, pregnant women (except in outbreak situations), those with severe egg allergies, or those with weakened immune systems, are generally not eligible for the vaccine. In some cases, a certificate verifying vaccination against yellow fever may be required for travelers, so staying updated on vaccination requirements in risk-prone countries is important.

Ultimately, efforts to prevent and control yellow fever are critical to safeguard global health, necessitating strict adherence to International Health Regulations and the World Health Organization’s guidelines.