What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow Fever – “Aedes Aegypti (Linnaeus)” is a potentially life-threatening viral infection, despite popular belief humans cannot transmit Yellow Fever to another human directly. The virus is spread by a bite from infected mosquitoes and so vaccination and prevention are of up most importance when traveling Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and even the Caribbean.
How do I know if I have Yellow Fever?
Onset of Yellow Fever symptoms come as soon as three days after initial infection and is characterised as high fever and liver inflammation causing jaundice as a result of poor liver function. Other symptoms of Yellow fever are; headaches, muscle cramps and aches even joint pains, fever and chills. Most people who contract Yellow fever with effective treatment make it through the first stages of the illness and the acute stages disappear for 24 hours but can return in what’s called the toxic phase. These waves of symptoms are much worse than the previous and include:
• Delirium
• Bleeding from mouth, nose and eyes.
• Heart beat problems.
• Sickness often with blood
• Server abdominal pains
• Decreased urination
• Seizures
• Heart Palpitations
This stage of the disease is typically fatal but according to WHO (World Health Organisation) only 15% of those who contract Yellow Fever enter into this stage of Yellow Fever.
If you’re planning to travel to an area where you may be at risk of yellow fever, make sure you’re vaccinated before making your trip.
Due to the Yellow Fever virus being transmitted via mosquitos the safest way to protect yourself Is through vaccination. Further to Yellow Fever vaccination you should become aware of how to prevent mosquito bites as the vaccination is 95% full proof and the chance will still remain of infection.
The Yellow Fever vaccination is a single injection covering you for ten years that should be scheduled at-least 10 days before you plan to travel so that the body has time to develop antibodies in the immune system to combat potential future infections. Yellow fever vaccination comes with a certificate which I required to enter some countries here Yellow Fever is an issue.
Yellow Fever Across The World
The Yellow Fever Virus is found in parts the world where the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito can be found alongside large populations, poor sanitation and unclean water.
Particularly prominent in areas like Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and the Caribbean Islands
South America
Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela
Africa
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Khemet (Modern day Egypt), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
Countries That Require Yellow Fever Vaccination Certification
Africa
Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Benin, Liberia, Burundi, Mali, Cameroon, Niger, Central, African Republic, Rwanda, Congo, Republic of Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon.
Central and South America
Ghana French Guiana
How much does a yellow fever vaccination cost?
Single dose Yellow Fever costs £85
Book Your Yellow Fever Vaccination Now
Want to book your vaccination? Would you simply like to explore the risks or find out more first? It’s really easy to book an appointment, either by phone or via our website. Just Call 0207 175 1802 and talk to a friendly, expert vaccination specialist.
Yellow Fever Prevention
Vaccination provides the best possible protection from Yellow Fever with up to ten years coverage with 95% of success, however, cases are known to occur after vaccination and so the prevention of mosquito bites should taken however possible whenever traveling to high-risk areas.
In some cases, ticks, insects and mosquitos can be the carriers of life threatening diseases that we are not typically exposed to in our homelands and so it is advised to make yourself aware of the different things you can do to protect yourself while abroad.
If you have sensitive skin and or had a bad reaction to insect stings and bites in the past this information should become common knowledge before travelling.
How To Minimise Bite/Sting Contact
• Move away slowly and don’t panic if you encounter things like wasps, hornets or bees – remain calm, don’t wave your arms around or try to swat at them.
• Cover exposed skin – while you’re outside at the time of day when insects are particularly active, like sunrise or sunset, cover your skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers, it would be advised to pack cloths for hot countries that are breathable and allow the skin to breathe.
• Wear shoes when outdoors – Not just because you can get bitten or stung on the feet, but because you may break the skin which can become infected and causes a host of it’s own problems.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed areas of skin – If you do have exposed skin, make sure to apply insect repellents. When purchasing you repellent, be certain it contains diethyltoluamide which is the most effect agent available.
• Avoid using products with strong perfumes – Things like sweet soaps, shampoos and deodorants smell just as nice to insects as they do to us and will do nothing but attract them.
• Never disturb insect nests – wasps build nests in sheltered areas such as trees and roof spaces; if a nest is in or near your accommodation, arrange to have it removed professionally.
• Be extra vigilant near water, such as ponds and swamps – mosquitoes and horseflies are normally found near water and so they should be avoided at peak times. If you are spending time around water be sure to cover up or apply repellent to exposed areas.
• Keep doors and windows closed or put thin netting or door beads over them to prevent insects getting inside the house – also keep the windows of your car closed to stop insects getting inside It would also be well advised to keep your shoes inside as insects can find themselves inside.
Yellow Fever Treatment
There is no official treatment regarding Yellow Fever and so the best advice involves alleviating pains, attempting to externally regulate body heat to counteract the fever. It should be noted, you should advice from medical professional before using painkillers or anti-biotics. Re-hydration, is important as through sickness the body can lose fluids and minerals that need to be replaced like water and salt. It is the re-hydration of a patient that saves the lives of those infected as it helps to flush out the virus. Please ensure the supply of water is safe.
