YELLOW FEVER: SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT, & PREVENTION

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WHAT IS YELLOW FEVER?

Yellow fever is a virus that is spread through the bites of infected Aedes aegyptimosquitoes, which bite mostly during the daytime and typically live in urban areas in tropical and subtropical regions. The good news is that there is a very effective and affordable vaccine to help prevent yellow fever.¹ Learn more about the disease and find tips to help safeguard your family from potentially dangerous mosquito bites.

WHERE IS THE DISEASE COMMON?

Yellow fever is predominantly found in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America. Occasionally, people traveling to these areas may bring yellow fever back to countries not affected by the disease. That’s why many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before issuing a visa.¹

YELLOW FEVER SYMPTOMS²

Most people infected with yellow fever don’t have any symptoms or have mild symptoms and recover from the disease completely. Symptoms of yellow fever virus usually improve within several days and include:

INITIAL YELLOW FEVER SYMPTOMS²

• Sudden onset of fever

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Headache and muscle aches

• Sensitivity to light

• Dizziness

• Red eyes, face, or tongue

SEVERE YELLOW FEVER SYMPTOMS²

The initial symptoms of yellow fever may disappear, but then return a day or two later along with more life-threatening symptoms, including:

• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

• Organ failure

• Decreased urination

• Abdominal pain and vomiting (sometimes vomiting blood)

• Bleeding from the eyes, nose, and mouth

• Slow heart rate

• Brain dysfunction (seizures, delirium, or coma)

Severe yellow fever disease can be fatal. So, if you live in or have traveled to areas at high risk for the disease and experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

DID YOU KNOW?

Yellow fever got its name from the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) that affect some people with severe symptoms of the disease.¹

YELLOW FEVER TREATMENT

Since there is no medicine to cure yellow fever, treatment for more severe symptoms focuses on supportive care in a hospital.³

OUR COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING YELLOW FEVER

TheSC Johnson Institute of Insect Science for Family Healthis home to thousands of mosquitoes, including the species that transmits yellow fever. We study these biting bugs to learn new ways to help protect your family and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

HOW TO HELP AVOID YELLOW FEVER⁴

• Ask your doctor about the yellow fever vaccine. This effective vaccine is recommended for people aged nine months or older who live in or are traveling to areas at risk for the virus.
• Use personal insect repellents that have DEET or picaridin as active ingredients. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
• Limit exposure to mosquitoes by wearing pants, long-sleeve shirts, and socks. You can also wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin for an extra layer of protection.
• Use window and door screens and repair holes in the screens to help keep mosquitoes that carry yellow fever outside.
• Get rid of standing water in and around your home and don’t forget to dump collected water at least twice a week.
• Cover cribs, beds, and strollers with a mosquito net.
• Help kill mosquitoes inside your home that may carry yellow fever with pest control sprays orliquid electric products. Be sure to follow all instructions on the label.

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