Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Can Kill

Yellow fever is one of the most deadly fevers on the face of the earth. It’s so dangerous because it is the cause of a virus that is spread by a certain species of mosquito. South America and Africa are the regions of the world that this fever is the most prevalent. The fever usually affects residents as well as tourists that attend those regions of the world. Some cases of yellow fever are milder than others.

A mild case of yellow fever usually results in vomiting, nausea, fever and extreme headaches. More extreme and severe cases of yellow fever can result in hemorrhaging and problems with internal organs. Yellow fever is one of the most deadly sicknesses because severe cases have over a fifty percent death rate.

Yellow fever is so dangerous because there is no actual treatment to stop it. The only thing that you can do to help combat against yellow fever is to get a yellow fever vaccine. Many tourists choose to get a yellow fever vaccine before traveling to areas that the disease exists. This will not always protect you from the fever, but it is better than nothing. If you have contracted yellow fever, you will not know you have it for three to six days. This period of time is known as the incubation period. After that, your life will be in danger and you will start experiencing the symptoms of yellow fever.

Traveling to regions in Africa or South America put you in a bad situation because you have a very high risk of contracting the virus. These are one of the only regions of the world that the virus is known to exist. Some people believe they don’t need a vaccine if the virus is at bay in the area.

You should still get a vaccine just to play it on the safe side. Most of the time local populations in these regions have not been vaccinated for yellow fever. If you are planning on traveling to one of these regions you need to get a vaccine ten to fourteen days in advance. This will allow your body ample time to build up a supply of antibodies to combat the disease. Older adults are the group of people that are most at risk for contracting yellow fever. If you have any of the symptoms of yellow fever you should immediately get to a hospital even if you are not in South America or Africa. Get informed so you can protect yourself.