Don't Let Yellow Fever Catch You Off Guard

The thrill of discovering new destinations is hard to beat. But before you pack your bags, there's an important detail you can't afford to overlook: your health. One of the most serious threats to travellers in certain regions of Africa is yellow fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes many symptoms, from fever and headache to severe complications like bleeding and organ failure. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, it's crucial to understand the risks of yellow fever and take the necessary precautions.

Although yellow fever is not endemic to India, the country has experienced sporadic outbreaks in the past. The National Centre for Disease Control, Government of India recently (2023) has not reported any cases of yellow fever disease. However, precaution is always better than cure.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and is primarily prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. When infected mosquitoes bite humans, they can spread the virus that causes yellow fever. Yellow fever epidemics may occur but can be prevented with a vaccine. These day-biting mosquitoes can spawn in forests or jungles (wild), near homes (domestic), or in both (semi-domestic). A high-impact, high-threat illness that has the potential to spread internationally, yellow fever poses a concern to the world's health.

The early stages of the disease often mimic other common viral infections. A complete travel history and an immunisation record are necessary for the diagnosis.

Yellow fever symptoms may include:

• Fever: A sudden onset of high fever is a common early sign.
• Headache: A severe headache often accompanies the fever.
• Muscle aches: Pain in the muscles, particularly in the back and legs, is common.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak is a typical symptom.
• Loss of appetite: You may not feel like eating.
• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms are common in the early stages of the disease.

Most people experience moderate flu-like symptoms during the three- to seven-day incubation period. Severe symptoms, such as fever, headache, chills, and low back pain, occur in 15% of cases. Symptoms usually disappear after 3-4 days. But for some, the illness can take a severe turn within a day of feeling better from the initial symptoms.

Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) in the forests of Africa and South America. The virus can also infect monkeys, which is why the disease is often found in forests where monkeys live. These monkeys can act as a "reservoir" for the virus, meaning the mosquitoes can get the virus from them and then spread it to humans.

Yellow fever progresses through three stages, but not everyone will experience all stages. The disease can potentially be stopped or managed at different points, especially with prompt medical attention.

1. First stage: This stage is characterised by early symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea. Most people recover from this stage with proper care.
2. Second stage: In some cases, the fever may subside, but more severe symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding, and kidney failure can develop. Medical intervention is crucial for those who reach this stage.
3. Third stage: If the disease progresses to this stage, it becomes severe, often involving organ failure and neurological complications. At this point, immediate medical care is essential, but the disease can be fatal if not treated in time.

So, while some people may recover after the first stage, others may progress to more severe stages, depending on their health and how quickly they receive treatment.

Yellow fever is a serious viral illness that can lead to significant complications, particularly in individuals at high risk. While most cases are mild, a small percentage can progress to a more severe phase, resulting in serious health consequences.

Yellow fever can sometimes lead to serious complications, especially in severe cases. Here are some possibilities:

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, often caused by liver damage.
• Bleeding: In some cases, yellow fever can cause excessive bleeding from the nose, gums, or eyes.
• Kidney problems: In very few cases, the virus can damage the kidneys, leading to acute kidney injury or kidney failure.
• Liver failure: In severe cases, yellow fever can cause liver damage that can be fatal.
• Neurological complications: In rare cases, yellow fever can affect the brain or spinal cord, leading to neurological issues.

Certain groups are more likely to experience severe complications from yellow fever. These include:

• Infants and the elderly are at an elevated risk of developing severe yellow fever.
• Pregnant women are also at increased risk of severe complications from yellow fever.
• Individuals with weakened or compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, are more susceptible to severe illness.  
• Individuals who have recently travelled to areas where yellow fever is prevalent are at risk of infection.
• Unvaccinated individuals travelling to endemic areas are at the highest risk of contracting yellow fever.

Understanding the preventative measures, such as travel vaccines, is essential because the prevalence of diseases varies depending on geographic conditions. Travellers visiting regions where yellow fever is common are advised to get vaccinated before their journey. A recent study on the Indian population indicates that awareness of travel vaccinations is strongly linked to higher education levels and a history of prior vaccinations. According to a few surveys conducted in India, just 23% of people are aware of the importance of travel vaccines.

In addition to vaccination, other steps can be taken to prevent yellow fever, such as:

• Wearing long sleeves and pants: This can help protect you from mosquito bites.
• Using insect repellent: Applying insect repellent containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or other effective ingredients can help repel mosquitoes.
• Sleeping under a mosquito net
• Avoiding mosquito breeding grounds

Yellow fever is a scary disease caused by a virus that's spread by mosquitoes, but there's no need to panic. The best way to protect yourself is by getting vaccinated. In addition, wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, sleeping under a mosquito net, and avoiding areas where mosquitoes breed can further reduce your risk. If you're travelling to regions where yellow fever is common, take these precautions and consult your doctor about vaccination.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America.

Fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, bleeding, and kidney failure are common symptoms. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

Yellow fever spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is not spread directly from person to person.

Yes, there is a vaccine available against yellow fever. It is recommended for travellers to areas where the disease is prevalent.

While anyone can get yellow fever if bitten by an infected mosquito, certain individuals are at a higher risk, including infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Yellow fever is most common in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America.

Complications of yellow fever can include jaundice, bleeding, kidney failure, and liver damage. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

In addition to vaccination, you can protect yourself from yellow fever by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, sleeping under a mosquito net, and avoiding mosquito breeding grounds.