Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through mosquito bites. Yellow fever is found in areas in South America and Africa. For a complete list of countries where active yellow fever transmission is occurring, see list of affected areas.
Yellow fever is spread primarily through mosquito bites. Yellow fever is spread to people primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are found in Maricopa County and other parts of Arizona; however, we do not have mosquitoes infected with yellow fever. In Arizona, yellow fever infections have been found only in people who were infected while traveling outside the United States. These mosquitoes bite humans all day long so it is important to protect against mosquito bites whenever you are outside.
It takes 3-6 days after being bitten by a mosquito infected with yellow fever to develop symptoms.
Febrile illness in some people. A small number of people who are infected will develop a sudden onset of fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea, and vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. Individuals may experience weakness and fatigue for several months.
Severe symptoms in a few people. Most individuals will improve after the initial illness; however, about 15 out of 100 individuals with symptoms will develop a more severe form of the disease and will experience high fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes, bleeding, and possibly shock and failure of multiple organs. Roughly 35% of individuals who develop severe yellow fever disease will die.
Individuals should see a healthcare provider if they develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where yellow fever is found. The provider may order blood tests to look for yellow fever or other similar viruses.
Febrile illness in some people. A small number of people who are infected will develop a sudden onset of fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea, and vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. Individuals may experience weakness and fatigue for several months.
Severe symptoms in a few people. Most individuals will improve after the initial illness; however, about 15 out of 100 individuals with symptoms will develop a more severe form of the disease and will experience high fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes, bleeding, and possibly shock and failure of multiple organs. Roughly 35% of individuals who develop severe yellow fever disease will die.
Individuals should see a healthcare provider if they develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where yellow fever is found. The provider may order blood tests to look for yellow fever or other similar viruses.
There are no specific treatment options. There is no specific treatment available for yellow fever. If possible, people infected with yellow fever should be hospitalized for supportive care and close observation. A doctor may recommend rest, fluids, and medication containing acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) to relieve fever and pain. Aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided. If severe symptoms develop, an individual should seek immediate care at a hospital.
There are medications that should be avoided. Individuals should not take aspirin or ibuprofen as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
There are medications that should be avoided. Individuals should not take aspirin or ibuprofen as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Stop the spread. Individuals who are infected with yellow fever should be protected from further mosquito exposure for at least 7 days after symptoms begin (this can be done by staying indoors, sleep under a bed net and/or using mosquito repellents with DEET). During this time, yellow fever can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.
Get vaccinated. Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for persons aged ≥ 9 months who are traveling to or living in areas at risk for yellow fever virus transmission (see areas here include link). Yellow fever vaccine may be required for entry into certain countries. Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations for specific countries are available on the CDC Travelers’ Health page. You can also locate vaccination clinics on the CDC’s yellow fever vaccination clinic page.
Protect yourself while traveling. If you travel to an area with risk of yellow fever, stay in places with air conditioning and with windows and door screens. Use a bed net if an air conditioning or screened rooms are not available or if you are sleeping outdoors.
Get vaccinated. Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for persons aged ≥ 9 months who are traveling to or living in areas at risk for yellow fever virus transmission (see areas here include link). Yellow fever vaccine may be required for entry into certain countries. Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations for specific countries are available on the CDC Travelers’ Health page. You can also locate vaccination clinics on the CDC’s yellow fever vaccination clinic page.
Protect yourself while traveling. If you travel to an area with risk of yellow fever, stay in places with air conditioning and with windows and door screens. Use a bed net if an air conditioning or screened rooms are not available or if you are sleeping outdoors.
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Office of Epidemiology & Data Services
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