Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitos. It attacks the liver and can cause jaundice.
Approximately 200,000 cases of yellow fever occur annually and of these cases, there are 30,000 deaths. The mosquitos that spread yellow fever are mainly native to Africa, Central and South America.
Mild stage one symptoms appear up to 6 days after infection:
Toxic stage two symptoms occur in up to 25% of yellow fever sufferers and include:
Of those yellow fever victims who reach stage two, half will die within 10 – 14 days.
Yellow fever is a virus transmitted between monkeys and humans by two mosquito species–Aedes and Haemagogus in urban areas and tropical rainforests.
Get a yellow fever vaccination
The yellow fever vaccination is almost 100% effective.
Avoid mosquito bites
Use home insect repellants
Keep mosquitos away with insect repellants such as Mosquito Lantern outdoors and Naturgard Fly & Mosquito Killer Odourless indoors.
Some countries can quarantine your entry if you have recently stayed overnight in a yellow fever declared country and cannot show a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Yellow fever has no cure and any treatment given is to alleviate the symptoms.
Sources:
http://www.health.gov.au/yellowfever#1
http://www.yellowfever.com.au
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/health-requirements/yellow-fever.htm
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs100/en/
Disclaimer: The above information is to be used for educational purposes and not as medical advice. Please still take caution and seek a medical professional for further advice in regards to the above, especially if visiting prone areas.
