Definition

     Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that causes fever, jaundice, kidney failure, and bleeding.

Cause

     The cause is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes.  This virus multiplies in the human body and causes the symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms   

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches (myalgia)

• Vomiting

• Red eyes, face, tongue

• Jaundice

• Bleeding (may progress to hemorrhage)

• Decreased urination

• Arrhythmias, heart dysfunction

• Vomiting blood

• Delirium

• Seizures

• Coma

Screening and Diagnosis

• A diagnosis is made by blood tests used to detect antibodies to the virus.

• Other lab tests show low white blood cell count (on the CBC and differential), loss of protein in the urine (on the Urinalysis), elevation of liver function tests (AST, ALT, Bilirubin), and thinning of the blood (elevation of PT, PTT, and clotting time parameters).

Complications 

• Kidney failure

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

• Secondary bacterial infections

• Liver failure

• Parotitis

• Shock

• Coma

• Death

Prevention   

     If you will be traveling to an area where yellow fever is common, use mosquito repellents, wear clothing that fully covers your body, and sleep in screened housing. There is an effective vaccine against yellow fever. Ask your doctor at least 10-14 days prior to travel if you should be vaccinated against yellow fever.