Yellow fever is a hemorrhagic disease spread by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which also transmit dengue and Zika viruses. Symptoms are usually self-limiting, but complications can include serious organ damage, hemorrhage, and, in extreme cases, death. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Yellow Fever; nevertheless, a yellow fever shot is advised for visitors to develop immunity in high-risk locations and prevent yellow fever transmission.
Because this fever is associated with severe bleeding, if you detect any of the symptoms associated with this sickness in yourself or your family members, you must seek immediate medical attention from a trusted yellow fever immunization facility in New York or a general practitioner to avoid fatal consequences.
Stages of Yellow Fever –
Yellow fever can be classified into three stages –
Stage 1 – This stage is also referred to as the infection stage. In this stage, a person may have symptoms such as headache, fever, muscle soreness, vomiting, and jaundice. These symptoms often disappear within 3-4 days.
Stage 2 – This stage is also known as the remission stage. Fever and other minor symptoms that occur in this stage usually disappear. If left untreated, this stage progresses to stage 3 of the illness.
Stage 3 – This stage is also known as the intoxication stage. Various essential organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidney, are seriously threatened at this stage. Seizures, coma, and delirium are possible outcomes one can face at this stage.
Signs And Symptoms of Yellow Fever –
It is possible to develop yellow fever even without experiencing any symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of yellow fever, the severity might vary, ranging from less severe to more severe.
Less Severe Symptoms May Include –
Fever.
Headache.
Body Ache.
Tiredness (or fatigue).
Nausea and vomiting.
More Severe Symptoms May Include –
High fever.
Jaundice.
Hemorrhage (bleeding).
Liver failure.
Kidney failure.
Delirium, seizures, and sometimes coma.
Bleeding from nose, mouth, and eyes.
It is usually seen that about 30% to 60% of people with severe yellow fever die.
Treatment of Yellow Fever –
Yellow fever can’t be treated with antiviral medications; instead, supportive care is usually provided in a hospital. It includes administering fluids and oxygen, monitoring blood pressure, replacing lost blood, starting kidney dialysis if kidney failure occurs, and treating secondary infections.
Moreover, plasma transfusions may be used to restore the proteins that aid in clotting in some people. Mosquitoes should not be present around the patient. A victim should avoid using aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to the risk of bleeding.
How Can One Prevent Yellow Fever ?
The most essential method of preventing the Yellow Fever virus is vaccination. The vaccine is safe, but a single dose can provide 99% protection when administered within 30 days of the onset of symptoms. With a few exceptions, Yellow fever shots are advised for people in NYC who have the symptoms of yellow fever.
In addition to this, one needs to quarantine yourself, depending on your condition. And if you are treated at home, the doctor will recommend you take the following steps –
Use a mosquito net or mosquito repellent lotion to prevent the spread of this disease.
Protect your arms and legs by wearing light-colored long sleeves and pants.
Stay in air-conditioned, well-screened accommodations.
Sleep under a mosquito net when sleeping outside or in a room without window or door screens.
Remove stagnant water from tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, and garbage cans to avoid mosquito breeding or use larva-killing chemicals.