Yellow fever
Yellow Fever is a tropical infection disease caused by a virus and spread by mosquitoes (Aedus aegyptii). Infection by this virus usually leads to a flu-like condition, which is not serious. However, in about 10% of cases patients can develop serious complications.
Where can you catch yellow fever?
Yellow fever is endemic to the tropical regions of Africa and South America, both inside the cities and outside them (rainforest). You will not catch yellow fever in Asia.
What are the symptoms?
Three to six days after being infected the first symptoms can manifest themselves:
- it feels like you have the flu
- fever and shivering
- nausea
- muscle ache
- backache
- headache
- feeling generally poorly
How can you avoid catching yellow fever?
Vaccination is the only way to get full protection against yellow fever. It comprises a single vaccination in the upper arm and gives you lifelong protection. However, the protection does not start until 10 days after your receive the vaccination. Children can also be given the vaccination. However, it is not recommended for very young children (younger than nine months) or for pregnant women. The yellow fever vaccination is compulsory in some countries for travellers arriving via a region in which the disease is endemic. Our Travel Clinics can give you more information about this.