yellow fever

Yellow Fever: A Viral Disease Transmitted by Mosquitoes

Yellow fever is an epidemic-prone mosquito-borne vaccine preventable disease that is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes [1]. It is a viral infection caused by the yellow fever virus, which is primarily spread by mosquitoes [3].

The symptoms of yellow fever include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Muscle pain
• Severe headache
• Weakness

These symptoms can develop suddenly, and in severe cases, can lead to hemorrhaging, organ failure, and even death [8].

Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is prone to epidemics and is preventable with a vaccine [6]. The "yellow" in yellow fever refers to the color of your skin if you have jaundice, which is one of the symptoms of the disease [5].

Key Facts:

• Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the yellow fever virus.
• Symptoms include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, and severe headache.
• The disease is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes.
• Yellow fever is an epidemic-prone disease that can be prevented with a vaccine.

References:

[1] May 31, 2023 — Yellow fever is an epidemic-prone mosquito-borne vaccine preventable disease that is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes. [2] Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. · Symptoms of yellow fever include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain ... [3] Yellow fever virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes. Learn about areas at risk, the illness it causes, and ways to prevent becoming infected, including ... [5] Jun 24, 2022 — The “yellow” in yellow fever refers to the color of your skin if you have jaundice. The infection also usually comes with fever. Thus, the ... [6] Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is prone to epidemics and is preventable with a ... [8] A disease caused by infection with the yellow fever virus, which is carried by mosquitos. Symptoms include body aches, chills, fever, severe headache, weakness ...

Yellow Fever Signs and Symptoms

Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. The signs and symptoms of yellow fever can be divided into several categories:

• Fever: A high temperature is one of the most common symptoms of yellow fever, often accompanied by chills [1].
• Headache: Headaches are another frequent symptom, which can range from mild to severe [2].
• Muscle pain and weakness: Many people experience muscle aches and pains, as well as general weakness, due to the virus's impact on their body [3].
• Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals may feel queasy or vomit, especially in the early stages of the illness [4].
• Jaundice: A yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) can occur in severe cases of yellow fever, due to liver damage [5].
• Bleeding and hemorrhage: In rare but serious cases, yellow fever can cause bleeding from the gums, nose, or other areas, as well as internal bleeding [6].

It's essential to note that not everyone who contracts yellow fever will experience all of these symptoms. The severity and duration of the illness can vary greatly from person to person.

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 2 [3] Context 3 [4] Context 2 [5] Context 4 [6] Context 6

Diagnostic Tests for Yellow Fever

Yellow fever diagnosis can be challenging, but various tests are available to confirm the presence of the virus. Here are some diagnostic tests used to detect yellow fever:

• Molecular diagnostics: Viral RNA can be detected in serum samples during the first 10 days since the onset of symptoms (viremic phase) or even longer than 10 days [3]. This test is highly specific and sensitive, but it requires specialized equipment.
• Serologic testing: Blood tests can detect virus-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and neutralizing antibodies in serum samples. These tests are typically used to confirm the diagnosis in the context of clinical presentation, epidemiologic context, and vaccination history [6].
• Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC is a routine test that measures various components of blood cells. In yellow fever patients, leukopenia with relative neutropenia may be observed [5].
• Molecular or serologic testing: This combination of tests confirms diagnosis in the context of clinical presentation, epidemiologic context, and vaccination history [6].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that a positive result by molecular testing (when using the appropriate controls and interpretation) confirms the diagnosis of YFV infection [4]. Additionally, laboratory diagnosis should be accompanied by clinical evaluation and consideration of the patient's travel history.

References

[1] May 15, 2024 — Laboratory diagnosis of yellow fever generally is accomplished by testing serum to detect virus-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and neutralizing ... [3] Molecular diagnostics: Viral RNA can be detected in serum samples during the first 10 days since the onset of symptoms (viremic phase) or even longer than 10 ... [4] Jul 1, 2018 — A positive result by molecular testing (when using the appropriate controls and interpretation) confirms the diagnosis of YFV infection. [5] Complete blood count, urinalysis, liver tests, coagulation tests, viral blood culture, and serologic tests should be done. Leukopenia with relative neutropenia ... [6] Aug 10, 2023 — Molecular or serologic testing confirms diagnosis in the context of clinical presentation, epidemiologic context, and vaccination history.

Treatment Overview

There is no specific medicine to treat yellow fever, as it is caused by a virus. However, supportive treatment can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

• Rest: Getting plenty of rest is essential in recovering from yellow fever.
• Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids can help replace lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration.
• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be used to reduce fever and relieve aching. However, it's essential to avoid aspirin due to the risk of internal bleeding [9].
• Vitamin K: In some cases, vitamin K may be administered to manage bleeding.

It's worth noting that supportive care is the primary approach to treating yellow fever, as there is no specific antiviral therapy available [7]. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent complications, rather than curing the disease itself.

References:

• [1] There is no specific antiviral therapy available for yellow fever.
• [3] Rest, drink fluids, and use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce fever and relieve aching.
• [4] Bed rest and mild analgesic-antipyretic therapy often help to relieve associated symptoms.
• [6] Treatment includes rest and plenty of fluids. You may also need to take medicine to help relieve fever and aching.
• [7] Supportive care — The treatment of yellow fever consists of supportive care; there is no specific antiviral therapy available.
• [8] Balapiravir, a nucleoside analog originally developed by Roche for the treatment of hepatitis C, has also been tested for efficacy in DENV-infected patients, but it's not mentioned as a treatment option for yellow fever.

Differential Diagnosis of Yellow Fever

Yellow fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other diseases. The differential diagnosis of yellow fever includes several conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

• Severe Malaria: A more severe case of malaria can be confused with yellow fever, especially during the early stages [2].
• Hepatitis E: Severe hepatitis E in pregnancy or hepatitis D superinfection can also mimic the symptoms of yellow fever [6].
• Dengue Fever: The symptoms of dengue fever, such as high fever, headache, and body aches, are similar to those of yellow fever [5].
• Malaria: Severe malaria with rapid hemolysis is another condition that can be confused with yellow fever [6].
• Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can also present with symptoms similar to yellow fever, such as fever and body aches [3].
• Typhoid Fever: The symptoms of typhoid fever, including high fever and abdominal pain, can be mistaken for those of yellow fever.
• Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses: Other hemorrhagic fever viruses, such as Lassa fever and Ebola, can also present with similar symptoms to yellow fever.

It's essential to note that a definitive diagnosis of yellow fever requires serologic tests [7]. A healthcare professional should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.