Overview
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of yellow fever involves assessing symptoms, travel history, and laboratory tests. Since early symptoms resemble those of other infections like malaria or dengue, accurate testing is essential.
Your healthcare professional may:
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Review your travel and vaccination history, especially if you have been to areas where yellow fever is common, such as parts of Africa or South America.
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Perform a physical examination to check for signs like fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and bleeding.
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Order blood tests to detect the presence of the yellow fever virus or antibodies your body produces in response. These include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.
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Check liver and kidney function to evaluate the severity of the infection.
Because yellow fever can resemble other tropical diseases, laboratory confirmation is necessary for a clear diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no specific cure for yellow fever, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Most people recover with supportive care, while severe cases require hospitalization.
Treatment measures include:
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Rest and hydration to help the body recover and prevent dehydration.
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Fever and pain management using medications like acetaminophen (paracetamol). Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided, as they can increase bleeding risks.
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Hospital care for patients with severe symptoms, such as liver or kidney failure, where intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and blood transfusions may be necessary.
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Monitoring of vital organs, as complications can develop quickly.
Prevention is crucial since yellow fever is mosquito-borne. Getting the yellow fever vaccine provides long-term protection, often lifelong after a single dose. Using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying in screened or air-conditioned areas further reduce infection risk.
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