Yellow Fever: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention.

INTRODUCTION

Yellow fever is a viral infection caused by a certain mosquito type called the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes are species of Aedes and Haemogogus. The mosquito becomes a carrier by biting a human or a monkey that is infected.

Yellow fever is prevalent in sub-tropical and tropical parts of South America, some regions in the Caribbean, and Africa.

 In 2013, the world health organization (WHO) gave an estimated figure of about 84,000 severe occurrences of yellow fever, and about 29,000 – 60,000 fatalities. Out of all these, Africa recorded about 90% of all cases.

Aedes aegypti mosquito

 The following African countries are at risk of yellow fever; Angola, Liberia, Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Gabon, Uganda, Sierra-Leone, Rwanda, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Togo, Senegal, Kenya, Cote d'Ivoire, Chad, Cameron, Burkina Faso, Burundi, and Niger.

Countries in the Caribbean include; Panama, Trinidad, and Tobago while those of South America include; Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru.

Yellow fever is characterized by jaundice and high fever. Jaundice is characterized by the yellow coloration of eyes and skin, and this is why the infection is called yellow fever.

SYMPTOMS OF YELLOW FEVER

Yellow fever develops rapidly. The first symptoms occur 3-6days after exposure, and these are related to the symptoms of the influenza virus.

The early-stage symptoms include;

i.                     Fever

ii.                   Chills

iii.                  Muscle aches (back and knees)

iv.                 Headache

v.                   Cold

vi.                 Dizziness

vii.                Nausea and vomiting.

The next phase is usually the acute stage which lasts for between 3-4days.  The acute phase symptoms include;

i.                     Headache

ii.                   Backaches

iii.                  Severe cold

iv.                 Loss of appetite

v.                   High fever

vi.                 Muscle and joint aches

The patient survives the acute phase, but on the contrary, several people develop a serious phase of yellow fever.

The next phase is the toxic phase, which is the most lethal. The acute phase symptoms might subside or even disappear for 24hours, and then return with more severe symptoms

The toxic phase symptoms include;

i.                     Bleeding from the nose, mouth, and eye

ii.                   Seizures

iii.                 Vomiting (occasionally with blood stains)

iv.                 Abdominal pain

v.                   Poor urination

vi.                 Irregular heartbeat

vii.               Hepatitis (liver inflammation)

viii.             Kidney failure

ix.                 Yellowing of the skin, eyes become white (Jaundice).

This phase is deadly. It has been discovered that only about 15% of patients with yellow fever get to the toxic phase.

CAUSES OF YELLOW FEVER

Yellow fever is a viral infection (flavivirus) spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes are found around human habitation where they can breed even in the cleanest environment.

Yellow fever is prevalent in Sub Saharan Africa and some tropical South American countries.

If an un-infected Aedes aegypti mosquito bites an already infected human or monkey, the Aedes aegypti mosquito's bloodstream becomes infected with the virus and settles down in the salivary gland.

If the infected mosquito bites an uninfected human or monkey, the virus enters their body stream and causes illness.

PREVENTION OF YELLOW FEVER.

Shockingly, there is no known cure for the yellow fever infection; however, prevention is much important. Adults and children over 9months old traveling to or living in regions with risk of yellow fever infection are advised to take the yellow fever vaccine.

A single yellow fever vaccination lasts for up to 10years. An international certificate of vaccination is usually issued by the approved vaccination centers. This certificate is usually presented upon request by some countries before an entry permit is issued

The following people should talk to their doctors before getting the yellow fever vaccine;

i.                    A pregnant or breastfeeding mother.

ii.                  An adult over 65years of age.

iii.                A baby under 9months of age.

iv.                 A cancer patient or one who has had cancer treatments

v.                   One who has severe allergic reactions to the consumption of chicken, gelatin, or past  vaccine taken for yellow fever.

Note that vaccination is the most important measure to protect you when entering regions with a high prevalence rate of yellow fever.

Other preventive measures include;

i.                     The covering of arms, hands, heads, and legs to prevent mosquito bites

ii.                   The use of mosquito nettings over the bed, doors, and window screens.

iii.                  Usage of mosquito repellant which contains ‘permethrin' on the outer surface of clothing, and mosquito nets

iv.                 Do not stay outdoor during mosquito peak hours

v.                   The use of mosquito repellant which contains ‘picaridin’, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.

In conclusion

Let me re-emphasize it again that there is no known cure for yellow fever. However, if yellow fever is detected at the early stage, it is advisable the patient drink plenty of water, rest, and use pain killers to relieve pain.

Do not use certain medications. For example, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen which can lead to bleeding.

Patients at the toxic stage of yellow fever should be hospitalized for proper care and observation. You should visit your Doctor after a journey to high-risk yellow fever regions to check if infected, this will prevent spreading the virus to uninfected mosquitoes.

Visit your health practitioners today to take the yellow fever vaccine, and you could be saving a generation.