YELLOW FEVER

ABOUT YELLOW FEVER

Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitos. It attacks the liver and can cause jaundice.

Where does it occur?

Approximately 200,000 cases of yellow fever occur annually and of these cases, there are 30,000 deaths. The mosquitos that spread yellow fever are mainly native to Africa, Central and South America.

What are the symptoms of yellow fever?

Mild stage one symptoms appear up to 6 days after infection:

• fever

• muscle ache

• vomiting

• headaches

• weakness

Toxic stage two symptoms occur in up to 25% of yellow fever sufferers and include: 

• visible bleeding

• jaundice of the skin and eyes

• kidney and liver failure

• death

Of those yellow fever victims who reach stage two, half will die within 10 – 14 days.

What causes yellow fever?

Yellow fever is a virus transmitted between monkeys and humans by two mosquito species–Aedes and Haemagogus in urban areas and tropical rainforests.

How do you prevent yellow fever?

Get a yellow fever vaccinationThe yellow fever vaccination is almost 100% effective.

Avoid mosquito bites

• Apply insect repellant throughout the day

• Wear loose-fitting clothing with good skin coverage

• Wear socks

• Do not wear perfume or aftershave

• Use home insect repellants

Keep mosquitos away with insect repellants such as Pif Paf PowerGard Mosquito & Fly Killer.

Travelling to yellow fever areas

Some countries can quarantine your entry if you have recently stayed overnight in a yellow fever declared country and cannot show a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

How do you treat yellow fever?

Yellow fever has no cure and any treatment given is to alleviate the symptoms.

Sources:
http://www.health.gov.au/yellowfever#1http://www.yellowfever.com.auhttp://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/health-requirements/yellow-fever.htmhttp://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs100/en/