Yellow fever is a virus which, like malaria, is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The infection can cause jaundice, which describes yellow skin and eyes, explaining the name of the disease. This disease predominantly occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. The disease risk is much higher in Africa, particularly between July and October. Fortunately, there is a safe and effective vaccine available. Unfortunately, many travelers do not receive it and face unnecessary risk.
After getting bit by an infected mosquito, the incubation time is 3-6 days. It is typically of short duration and various severities. Here are the causes and the effects of yellow fever.
Causes
- Obstruction in the bile ducts due to gallstones
- Inflammation of the liver, known as hepatitis and caused by a virus
Hemolytic anemia
- There are certain diseases, which could cause discoloration [jaundice] e.g. typhoid, malaria, yellow fever and tuberculosis.
Symptoms
- Extreme fever
- Headaches
- Extreme weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Severe constipation
- Dull pain over the liver region
- Yellow discoloration of the eyes, tongue, skin and darkish yellow urine
- Intense itching [generally caused due to obstructive jaundice
Medical advice should be sought if you suspect there is a major underlying cause for the change in skin color. The liver is a vital organ and good care should be taken not to ignore any problems that may damage the said organ.
For Travelers, they should get vaccinated for yellow fever before visiting areas where the disease occurs. In the United States, the vaccine is given only at designated yellow fever vaccination centers. International regulations require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travel to and from certain countries. People who get vaccinated should be given an International Certificate of Vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites when traveling in tropical areas. Mosquitoes that spread the virus usually bite during the day, especially at dusk and dawn. The most important things is All the recommendations and requirements can be confusing at first, but checking the listings on the Center for Disease Control and scheduling a consult with a travel health doctor at a specialized travel clinic are good places to start. If you are headed to a tropical or subtropical region of South America or Africa, you may be exposed to yellow fever, a virus spread by contact with some species of primates as well as the bite of female mosquitoes. It can be dangerous, so if you're traveling to an area where the disease is prevalent, you need to be vaccine.