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Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever, which is caused by a flavivirus, is one of the mosquito-transmitted infectious disease that manifests signs and symptoms of hemorrhagic fever. Symptomatic treatment may help relieve symptoms, as follows.

  • Anti-pyretics for fever.  Avoid using aspirin because of its anti-coagulant effect.
  • Analgesics for back pain and headache.

Individuals who present with severe symptoms or develop the toxic phase are advised to seek immediate hospital admission as rapid deterioration may occur in some cases.  Such individuals may need additional supportive therapy which may include one or more of the following.

  • Oxygen therapy or mechanical respiratory ventilation with severe pulmonary involvement.
  • Dialysis for those manifesting renal failure.
  • Blood transfusion to address significant blood loss.
  • Vasopressors might be needed in cases of a drop in blood pressure.
  • In cases of dessiminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), heparin and more aggressive therapy is required.

Symptoms in most individuals may spontaneously resolve in 3 to 4 days.  However, after 24 hours of remission, the disease may progress into a more severe phase in 15 % of the cases.  Select individuals rapidly manifest jaundice and signs of bleeding in the abdomen, nose, mouth and ears.  Individuals may also complain of abdominal pain.   As the individual’s condition deteriorates, the kidney may also shut down.  Within 10 to 14 days, despite supportive therapy, up to 50 % of individuals in this toxic phase pass away.  Those who survive usually recover without permanent damage, as long as proper management was promptly instituted.

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.