Overview Of Yellow Fever
Bunyavirus infection is commonly known as tropical hemorrhagic fever. It is caused by the yellow fever virus, which is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes.
Commonly Associated With
Tropical hemorrhagic fever caused by the yellow fever virus; Bunyavirus Infection
Causes Of Yellow Fever
Mosquitoes carry the virus that causes this disease. You can develop the disease if you are bitten by a mosquito that is infected. To clarify, symptoms typically develop 3 to 6 days after the bite occurs.
Above all, this disease is common in South America and sub-Saharan Africa. Anyone can become infected. However, older people have a higher risk of severe infection.
Symptoms Of Yellow Fever
Yellow fever has 3 stages:
Stage 1 (infection): In the infection stage, common symptoms include headache, muscle aches, and joint aches. Fever, flushing, loss of appetite, vomiting, and jaundice are also present. Symptoms generally go away briefly after about 3 to 4 days.
Stage 2 (remission): In the remission stage, fever and other various symptoms usually go away. That is to say, most people will recover at this stage. But, others may get worse over the span of 24 hours.
Stage 3 (intoxication): In the intoxication phase, problems with many organs may occur. This can include the heart, liver, and kidney. Seizures, coma, bleeding disorders, and delirium might also occur.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever, headache, and muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting, with the possibility of vomiting blood
- Red eyes, face, and tongue
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
- A decrease in urine output
- Delirium
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Bleeding (may progress to hemorrhage)
- Seizures
- Coma
Exams & Tests
First, the health care provider will order blood tests for yellow fever. They will also perform a physical examination. These blood tests may show liver failure, kidney failure and evidence of shock.
It is crucial to tell your provider if you have traveled to locations where the disease is known to thrive. Certainly, blood tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Of Yellow Fever
No specific treatment exists. However, treatment is supportive and focuses on:
- Blood products for severe bleeding
- Dialysis for kidney failure
- Intravenous fluids
