Yellow Fever
Yellow fever
Yellow fever is a very serious disease. It is caused by infection with the yellow fever virus, which is transmitted via the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Yellow fever mosquitoes typically bite at dawn and dusk.
There is a risk of infection with yellow fever in several countries in Africa south of the Sahara and several countries in South America.
Several countries require documentation for yellow fever vaccination - see the list here Countries with requirements for Yellow Fever vaccination. Please note that Yellow Fever vaccination may be required when traveling between countries.
There are 200,000 cases of Yellow Fever every year, of which 30,000 are deaths.
Where are you at risk of being infected with yellow fever?
There is a risk of infection with yellow fever in several countries in Africa south of the Sahara and several countries in South America.
Several countries require documentation for yellow fever vaccination - see the list here Countries with requirements for Yellow Fever vaccination. Please note that Yellow Fever vaccination may be required when traveling between countries.
Find your destination on Medical's Vaccine Recommendations for further information.
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a serious disease that in severe cases can lead to liver, heart and kidney damage, and yellow fever can ultimately be life-threatening.
What symptoms can be seen with Yellow Fever?
It typically takes three to six days from when you are infected until you get yellow fever symptoms (the incubation period). The infection is potentially fatal.
In the vast majority, the symptoms of Yellow fever go away after three to four days, symptoms can be:
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sudden onset of fever
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chills
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headache
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muscle pain
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nausea
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vomiting
More serious symptoms may develop:
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bleeding from the skin and mucous membranes
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effects on the liver, heart and kidneys
- jaundice
How behandle Yellow Fever?
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. The treatment is symptomatic.
How to prevent Yellow Fever infection?
The most effective prevention is vaccination against yellow fever, which is recommended for people traveling to risk areas. There may also be requirements for vaccination to be allowed to travel into certain countries.
In addition, effective prevention of Yellow Fever is:
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to use impregnated mosquito nets
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to wear loose clothing that covers the arms and legs
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to use bug spray with up to 50% DEET
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avoid staying outdoors while mosquitoes are active.
How do you get vaccinated against Yellow Fever?
The Yellow Fever vaccine is called Stamaril, is live attenuated and has a lifetime protection duration. This also applies to all previously given doses.
Vaccination can be given from the age of 9 months.
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