Yellow Fever – SP Medifort Hospital

Yellow Fever Treatment

Yellow fever is a viral infectious disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly Aedes and Haemagogus species. It is most commonly found in parts of Africa and South America. The disease can range from a mild illness to a severe, life-threatening condition affecting the liver and other organs.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of yellow fever?

Symptoms usually appear 3–6 days after infection.

Sudden fever.
Headache.
Muscle pain (especially back pain).
Chills.
Fatigue.
Nausea or vomiting.
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Dark-colored urine.
Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or stomach.
Abdominal pain.
Organ failure (in severe infections).

What causes yellow fever?

Yellow fever is caused by a viral infection that is mainly transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, particularly in areas where the virus is commonly found.

Yellow Fever Virus: The disease is caused by the yellow fever virus, which belongs to the Flavivirus family. After entering the body, the virus multiplies in the bloodstream and can damage vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Bite of an Infected Mosquito: Yellow fever spreads when a person is bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, most commonly Aedes or Haemagogus species. These mosquitoes transmit the infection after feeding on infected humans or animals.
Transmission in Endemic Areas: The virus is naturally present in certain tropical regions of Africa and South America. Living in or traveling to these areas increases the risk of exposure, especially where mosquito control is inadequate.
Lack of Vaccination: People who are not vaccinated against yellow fever are more vulnerable to infection. Vaccination provides effective and long-lasting protection and is the most reliable preventive measure.
Increased Exposure to Mosquitoes: Spending time outdoors, working in forested areas, or living in places with poor sanitation can increase contact with mosquitoes and raise the risk of infection.

Diagnosis of Yellow Fever

Doctors may diagnose yellow fever based on:

Medical History and Travel Details: Doctors begin by reviewing the patient’s medical history, including recent travel to regions where yellow fever is common. Information about vaccination status and possible exposure to mosquito bites helps assess the likelihood of infection.
Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is carried out to look for signs such as fever, jaundice, dehydration, or bleeding tendencies. These clinical findings help determine the severity of the illness and guide further testing.
Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to confirm the diagnosis by detecting the presence of the yellow fever virus or antibodies produced by the immune system. These tests also help evaluate organ function and identify possible complications.
Imaging Studies: In selected cases, imaging studies such as ultrasound may be performed to evaluate the condition of the liver and detect signs of inflammation or damage. These tests help doctors assess the extent of organ involvement and monitor complications.
Differential Diagnosis: Since the symptoms of yellow fever can resemble other infectious diseases, doctors also consider conditions such as dengue fever, malaria, and viral hepatitis. Careful clinical evaluation and laboratory testing are used to rule out these conditions and confirm the correct diagnosis.

What are the yellow fever risk factors?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of acquiring yellow fever, especially in areas where the virus is actively transmitted by mosquitoes.

Travel to or Living in Yellow Fever–Endemic Areas: People who travel to or reside in regions where yellow fever is common are at higher risk due to ongoing exposure to infected mosquitoes.

Lack of Vaccination: Individuals who have not received the yellow fever vaccine are more susceptible to infection, as vaccination provides strong and long-lasting protection against the virus.

Exposure to Mosquito Bites: Frequent exposure to mosquito bites, particularly in areas with poor mosquito control, increases the chance of the virus being transmitted.

Outdoor Activities in Forest or Rural Regions: Activities such as farming, trekking, or working outdoors in forested or rural areas raise the risk of mosquito contact, especially where infected mosquitoes are more prevalent.

What treatment options are available for yellow fever?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow fever. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including:

Rest and Adequate Hydration: Patients are advised to take complete rest and maintain proper fluid intake to support recovery and prevent dehydration caused by fever and vomiting.

Control of Fever and Pain: Medications may be used to manage fever and body pain; however, drugs that increase the risk of bleeding are avoided to ensure patient safety.

Hospital-Based Care for Severe Illness: Individuals with severe symptoms may require hospital admission for intensive supportive treatment, including intravenous fluids and close medical supervision.

Careful Monitoring for Complications: Ongoing monitoring is essential to identify complications such as bleeding, liver dysfunction, or organ failure at an early stage and provide timely intervention.