DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

Back to Globe
Infectious Disease

Yellow Fever

HIGH SEVERITY

A mosquito-borne viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to tropical Africa and South America. Causes fever, jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure. Named for yellowing of skin and eyes. Can be fatal. Vaccine-preventable and provides lifelong immunity.

Global Affected

200.0K

Countries

31

Symptoms

Fever
Headache
Muscle pain
Nausea/vomiting
Loss of appetite
Jaundice
Bleeding (nose, mouth, eyes)
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Shock

Treatment Options

Supportive care
IV fluids
Blood transfusion
Dialysis (kidney failure)
Treatment of secondary infections
ICU care (severe)
Vaccination (prevention)

Risk Factors

1Travel to endemic areas without vaccination
2Mosquito exposure
3Outdoor activities (dawn/dusk)
4Urban outbreaks
5Jungle exposure
6No prior immunity
7Age over 60 (severe disease)

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Serology (IgM antibodies)
  • 2RT-PCR
  • 3Viral culture
  • 4Liver function tests
  • 5Complete blood count
  • 6Coagulation studies

Prognosis

Guarded. 15-50% mortality in severe cases. Recovery provides lifelong immunity. No chronic infection. Vaccine very effective. Most cases are mild or asymptomatic.

Prevention

  • Yellow fever vaccination (required for travel)
  • Mosquito protection (repellent, long sleeves, nets)
  • Avoid mosquito bites (dawn/dusk)
  • Vector control programs
  • Surveillance and rapid response

Research Status

No specific antiviral treatment - supportive care only. Single-dose vaccine provides lifelong immunity. Vector control critical. International certificate required for travel to endemic areas. Research on vaccine safety in certain populations ongoing.

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever
  • https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/yellow-fever
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yellow-fever

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.