Yellow Fever
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease spread by infected mosquitoes found in tropical areas of Central and South America and Africa. Its name comes from the yellowish skin tone some sufferers develop due to jaundice. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and fatigue.
After a few days, the fever can go one of two ways – either the patient recovers or, after a couple of days of apparent improvement, they quickly deteriorate into what’s known as the ‘toxic’ stage. 25% of cases can reach this ‘toxic’ stage, in which the virus infects vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver. 50% of people who are infected with ‘toxic’ yellow fever die.
How can travelers protect themselves?
The obvious answer is getting vaccinated. Parkhill Medical Centre is a yellow fever vaccination accredited center. Aside from that, do what you can to avoid the mosquitoes that transmit the disease. Tips include:
- Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or picaridin
- Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured clothes when outdoors
- Avoid wearing perfumes or cologne, some of which can attract mosquitoes
- Try and prevent mosquitoes entering your accommodation
- Use a mosquito net at night
Aside from that, do what you can to avoid the mosquitoes that transmit the disease. Tips include:
- Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or picaridin
- Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured clothes when outdoors
- Avoid wearing perfumes or cologne, some of which can attract mosquitoes
- Try and prevent mosquitoes entering your accommodation
- Use a mosquito net at night