Yellow fever is a viral disease which can be fatal if not prevented. It is transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical parts of Africa and South America, particularly imminent in the rainy season. The vaccine must be administered at a minimum of 10 days before the date of travel or exposure.

This map below shows which countries yellow fever is a risk

Signs and symptoms

Initial symptoms can be any of the below:

Muscle pain, fever, headache, anorexia, nausea and vomiting. It is not uncommon that the symptoms can improve and there is gradual recovery three to four days later. However, after this apparent recovery period elapses, some can develop a more serious form of the illness known as a haemorrhagic fever.

This includes symptoms such as bleeding from the mouth, ears, eyes and stomach as well as pronounced jaundice (yellow eyes and skin) and renal (kidney) damage.

In some severe cases, shock can develop with multiple organ failure, and possibly eventual death if left untreated for a period.

Treatment There is no specific anti viral treatment for the Yellow Fever disease. However, symptoms can be managed through intensive nursing care.

Prevention The two methods of preventing yellow fever include vaccination and mosquito bite control and bite avoidance/repellent.

Vaccination is the most effective method. All people who are travelling to countries where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission should get a vaccination. Many high risk countries will insist on a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before entry. Prevention is always better than cure.