WHAT IS YELLOW FEVER?
What is Yellow fever?
It is a disease caused by a virus in the same class as the Ebola virus. These viruses may be fatal and are termed viral hemorrhagic fevers because they can cause severe bleeding.
Yellow fever virus is found in certain parts of Africa and South America.
It is called yellow fever because of the characteristic yellowness of the skin and/or eyes that may accompany the illness.
The virus is spread by the bites of an infected mosquito.
How do I know if I have Yellow fever?
Symptoms of yellow fever may present after 4-6 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms may include:
These symptoms are seen in the toxic phase, and at this point is potentially deadly.
How can I contract Yellow fever?
However, if you suspect you have Yellow fever, you may need to visit a hospital for treatment and cover yourself to prevent mosquitoes from biting you. This is important to prevent the virus from being taken up by mosquitoes which may infect others.
How Can I prevent Yellow fever?
You also need to be vaccinated if you are traveling to places in Africa or Southern America where mosquitoes are prevalent.
Sequel to vaccination, you will be given a yellow card which you can present during your trip to indicate you have been vaccinated.
In addition to vaccinations, you can also prevent the virus by preventing mosquito bites by:
It is a disease caused by a virus in the same class as the Ebola virus. These viruses may be fatal and are termed viral hemorrhagic fevers because they can cause severe bleeding.
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| Image credit: newsinafrica.co |
It is called yellow fever because of the characteristic yellowness of the skin and/or eyes that may accompany the illness.
The virus is spread by the bites of an infected mosquito.
How do I know if I have Yellow fever?
Symptoms of yellow fever may present after 4-6 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms may include:
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| Image credit: nphcda.gov.ng |
- Fever
- Chills
- Yellowness of your skin and/or eyes
- Muscle aches
- Back aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
These symptoms may go away on their own and may not require treatment in most people. However, about 15 percent of people will go on to have more severe symptoms like:
- Decreased urination
- More severe yellowness of the skin and/ or eyes
- Belly pain
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth or genitals
- Confusion
- Seizures
These symptoms are seen in the toxic phase, and at this point is potentially deadly.
How can I contract Yellow fever?
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- The virus is typically transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. It cannot be spread from person-to-person.
However, if you suspect you have Yellow fever, you may need to visit a hospital for treatment and cover yourself to prevent mosquitoes from biting you. This is important to prevent the virus from being taken up by mosquitoes which may infect others.
How Can I prevent Yellow fever?
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- You can prevent yellow fever by getting vaccinated. Vaccinations are available as part of the immunization schedule for children at 9 months.
- Vaccination for adults are available at designated places in different countries.
- Vaccination may prevent the virus for life. However, adults are advised to receive a booster every 10 years.
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| image credit: yellowfever.com.ca |
You also need to be vaccinated if you are traveling to places in Africa or Southern America where mosquitoes are prevalent.
Sequel to vaccination, you will be given a yellow card which you can present during your trip to indicate you have been vaccinated.
In addition to vaccinations, you can also prevent the virus by preventing mosquito bites by:
- Using mosquito repellants
- Wearing long clothing and gloves
- Using mosquito insecticides
- Sleeping under mosquito nets
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