Yellow fever is a serious viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Found mainly in tropical regions, this disease can range from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening complications. Every year, around 200,000 cases occur worldwide, with nearly 30,000 deaths. The good news? Yellow fever is entirely preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.
What Is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is an acute viral disease caused by the yellow fever virus. It belongs to the Flavivirus family the same group that includes dengue and Zika. The name comes from the jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) that develops in severe cases when the liver gets damaged.
The yellow fever virus is transmitted by infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. Unlike regular mosquitoes that bite at night, the yellow fever mosquito is most active during daylight hours, making daytime outdoor activities risky in affected areas.
Yellow Fever Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear 3-6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Many people experience no symptoms at all or only mild illness. For those who do get sick, the disease usually progresses in two phases.
Initial Phase (Acute Phase):
- Sudden onset of fever and chills
- Severe headache
- Back pain and muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
Most people recover after this phase. However, about 15% enter a second, more dangerous phase.
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Toxic Phase:
- High fever returns after brief improvement
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach
- Vomiting blood
- Kidney and liver failure
- Shock
The toxic phase is severe. Nearly 50% of patients who reach this stage don’t survive.
Causes of Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is caused by a virus that spreads exclusively through mosquito bites. You cannot catch it from another person through casual contact, coughing, or sharing food.
How transmission works: A mosquito bites an infected monkey or human, picks up the virus, and then passes it to the next person it bites. The cycle continues.
Three transmission cycles exist:
- Jungle cycle: Mosquitoes spread the virus among monkeys in forests. Humans get infected when they enter these areas.
- Intermediate cycle: Common in savannah regions where mosquitoes transmit the virus between monkeys and nearby human populations.
- Urban cycle: Infected individuals bring the virus to cities where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes spread it rapidly among people. This can trigger large outbreaks.
Who Is at Risk?
People living in or travelling to tropical regions face the highest risk. Other high-risk groups include:
- Unvaccinated travellers to affected areas
- People working outdoors in endemic zones
- Laboratory workers handling the virus
- Infants and elderly individuals (higher risk of severe disease)
- People with weakened immune systems
If you’re searching for yellow fever vaccination in Bangalore or the yellow fever vaccine near me before your trip, you’re making the right decision.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosing yellow fever can be tricky in early stages since symptoms resemble many other infections like malaria, dengue, or hepatitis.
Diagnostic methods include:
- Clinical evaluation and travel history
- Blood tests to detect the virus or antibodies
- PCR testing in early stages
- Liver function tests
Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes, so seek medical attention promptly if you develop fever symptoms after visiting an endemic area.
Yellow Fever Treatment
Here’s the difficult reality: there is no specific yellow fever cure. No antiviral medication exists to kill the virus once you’re infected.
Treatment focuses on supportive care:
- Rest and hydration
- Medications to reduce fever and manage pain (avoid aspirin and NSAIDs due to bleeding risk)
- Hospital care for severe cases
- Blood transfusions if needed
- Kidney dialysis for kidney failure
Patients should be kept away from mosquitoes to prevent further transmission.
Prevention: The Yellow Fever Vaccine
Vaccination remains the single most effective way to prevent yellow fever. The yellow fever vaccine is safe, affordable, and provides lifelong protection for most people.
Key facts about the vaccine:
- A single dose offers lifelong immunity, no booster dose required for most people
- Protection develops within 10-30 days after vaccination
- The vaccine is 95% effective
- Required for entry into many endemic countries
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Yellow fever vaccine side effects are usually mild:
- Soreness at injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Serious reactions are extremely rare.
Who should NOT get vaccinated:
- Infants under 6-9 months
- Pregnant women (unless risk is unavoidable)
- People with severe egg allergies
- Those with weakened immune systems
- Adults over 60 should consult their doctor
The yellow fever vaccine price varies by location. Check with your nearest vaccination centre or clinic for current rates. Many government hospitals and authorised yellow fever vaccine centres provide the injection along with the required yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Additional Prevention Measures
Even with vaccination, protecting yourself from mosquito bites adds extra safety:
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and full pants
- Use mosquito nets while sleeping
- Stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours
When to See a Doctor
Visit a nearby hospital or clinic immediately if you experience:
- High fever with headache after travelling to an endemic area
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Bleeding from any body part
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
Early medical intervention can be lifesaving. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
Need the yellow fever vaccine or experiencing fever symptoms after travel? Book an appointment at Clinikk Health Hub today. Our doctors provide vaccination services with proper certification and expert care for fever-related concerns.
FAQs
Is there a cure for yellow fever?
No. There is no specific antiviral treatment. Fever treatment involves supportive care to manage symptoms.
How long does yellow fever last?
Mild cases resolve within a week. Severe cases can last several weeks and may be fatal without proper care.
Can yellow fever spread from person to person?
No. It only spreads through infected mosquito bites.
Is the yellow fever vaccine mandatory for travel?
Many countries require a valid vaccination certificate for entry. Check requirements before travelling.
