Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever is a live virus that is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, with symptoms showing up 3-6 days later.

What Are the Symptoms?

There is no cure for Yellow Fever. Instead, treatment is based on the symptoms. The virus has three stages. First stage symptoms include fever and chills, severe headaches, back pain, fatigue and weakness. These symptoms usually go into remission after 3-4 days and most people completely recover. However, for some there is a dangerous third phase that includes multi-organ dysfunction and brain dysfunction that can include seizures, coma, shock and death.

Where Is It Found?

The virus is common in Sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America.

How Can You Get It?

Yellow fever is transmitted by the bite of a certain species of mosquito that is typically found in tropical areas, such as South America and Africa. When the mosquito bites, it injects the yellow fever virus into the bloodstream resulting in infection.

How Can You Prevent It?

The best way to avoid Yellow Fever is to be vaccinated against the virus. Travelers should always get vaccinated for the virus before visiting areas where Yellow Fever is commonly found. You will usually have to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling to and from some countries. Travelers should be vaccinated at least ten days prior to travel.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

All travelers over 9 months of age who may be visiting areas where Yellow Fever is found should be vaccinated against the virus.

What To Expect Following Immunization

You may experience a mild headache, muscle ache, a low grade fever and/or soreness at the injection site following the Yellow Fever vaccination. These reactions typically show up 1-5 days after immunization. Severe allergic reactions are rare.

Yellow Fever Factoid

Yellow Fever very rarely caused illness in the U.S. In fact, the last known epidemic of the virus in North America occurred in New Orleans in the year 1905.