Yellow fever is an epidemic-prone mosquito-borne vaccine preventable disease that is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Yellow fever is caused by an arbovirus (a virus transmitted by vectors such mosquitoes, ticks or other arthropods) transmitted to humans by the bites of infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes.
Here’s a closer look at Yellow Fever’s causes and spread:
- Transmission through mosquitoes:
Through the bite of an infected mosquito, Yellow Fever is mostly spread. A mosquito can contract the Yellow Fever virus by ingesting the blood of an infected person or non-human primate. When the mosquito bites someone again, the virus reproduces in the insect’s body and can infect others.
- Transmission from Human to Human:
Yellow Fever is primarily spread through mosquito bites, but in rare instances, it can also be spread by coming into touch with contaminated blood or other bodily fluids. Since it is uncommon, this method of transmission does not result in outbreaks.
- The Non-Human Primate Reserve:
Non-human primates, such as monkeys, are frequently reservoir hosts for the virus in areas where Yellow Fever is endemic. When mosquitoes consume infected primates, they may contract the disease and spread it to people. Yellow Fever outbreaks can occasionally be traced to the movement of infected monkeys.
4.Geographic Distribution:
The virus that causes yellow fever spreads among humans, non-human primates, and mosquitoes in some tropical regions of Africa and South America. Many other regions of the world, including most of Asia and Europe as well as North America, are free of the virus.
Symptoms of Yellow Fever:
Yellow fever symptoms can range from mild to severe and take many different forms. Typically, 3 to 6 days pass between an infection and the beginning of symptoms, or the incubation period. Yellow Fever symptoms can be separated into two phases:
1. Acute Phase:
– Fever: A sudden, high fever is a common symptom of yellow fever.
– Muscle soreness: People could have muscle soreness, especially in their knees and back.
– Headache: During this stage, severe headaches are typical.
– Chills: Fever frequently coexists with chills and shivering.
– Appetite decrease: A notable decrease of appetite is a common symptom.
Usually, these symptoms worsen for three to four days before becoming better. At this point, many people recover entirely. A more severe form of the disease develops in some people, though.
2. Toxic Phase:
A small percentage of patients enter a second, more toxic phase within 24 hours of recovering from initial symptoms. High fever returns and several body systems are affected, usually the liver and the kidneys. In this phase, people are likely to develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, hence the name yellow fever), dark urine, and abdominal pain with vomiting. Bleeding can occur from the mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach. Half of the patients who enter the toxic phase die within 7–10 days.
It’s significant to remember that not every person infected with the Yellow Fever virus will develop the hazardous phase of the disease. After the initial phase, many people recover with minimal or no symptoms. For more information, meet our experts at Al Hilal Hospitals.
Why is it Called Yellow Fever?
The term “Yellow Fever” derives from the jaundice that patients with advanced forms of the illness experience. One of the serious side effects of Yellow Fever is liver damage, which results in jaundice.
Yellow Fever Treatment:
There isn’t a specific antiviral medication for Yellow Fever at the moment. For patients with the virus, supportive care is crucial, including rest, hydration, and treatment of particular symptoms.
Preventing Yellow Fever:
The main methods of preventing Yellow Fever are vaccination and mosquito prevention:
1. Yellow Fever Vaccine :
The disease can be prevented quite well with the Yellow Fever vaccine. It offers enduring immunity and is advised for:
– Visitors to regions where Yellow Fever is spread.
– People who live in or travel to endemic areas.
– Personnel who handle the Yellow Fever virus in laboratories.
2. Mosquito Control:
It is essential to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites in order to prevent Yellow Fever. These actions consist of:
– Using DEET-containing insect repellant.
– Dressing in long sleeves and trousers, especially during periods of high mosquito activity.
– Sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned space.
– Removing standing water to eliminate mosquito breeding areas.
Who Needs Yellow Fever Vaccine?
– Passengers: Travelers should get vaccinated before going to places where Yellow Fever is endemic or where there is a possibility of transmission. For entrance, several nations could demand proof of immunization.
Follow recommended travel health guidelines and stay informed about vaccination requirements for your destination.
-Residents of Endangered Areas: To stop epidemics, people who reside in or close to areas where yellow fever is transmittable should get the vaccine.
-Laboratory Workers: People who work with the Yellow Fever virus in labs run the risk of exposure and should get the vaccine.
Yellow Fever Vaccine in Bahrain:
Al Hilal Hospitals in Bahrain offer the Yellow Fever vaccine, ensuring that travelers, residents, and healthcare workers have convenient access to this vital immunization.
A viral illness called yellow fever can have serious and even fatal symptoms. It is spread by mosquito bites and is brought on by the Yellow Fever virus. The most reliable method of preventing infection is vaccination, so anyone going to or living in a place where yellow fever is being transmitted should make sure they are immunized. In addition, avoidance of mosquito bites requires taking appropriate measures. The Yellow Fever vaccine is available at Al Hilal Hospitals to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our neighborhood and visitors.
