Yellow Fever


Yellow fever is a serious infection spread by mosquitoes. It is found in parts of Africa, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. There is a vaccine that can stop you from getting it if you are travelling to an area where the infection is endemic.

Yellow fever vaccination
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you are travelling to an area where yellow fever is found, or a country that requires you to have a certificate proving that you have been vaccinated against the disease.

You need to have the vaccine at least 10 days before travelling, to give it enough time for it to work. Your certificate will only be valid after this time.
The vaccine and certificate are only available from registered yellow fever vaccination centres. The jab is not usually given for free on the NHS, and typically costs around £60-80. The vaccine provides lifelong protection, so you will  not normally need a booster dose or a new certificate if you have been vaccinated before.

Where yellow fever is found
Yellow fever is found in:
·         most of sub-Saharan Africa (the area below the Sahara desert)
·         most of South America
·         parts of Central America
·         parts of the Caribbean.


Map of Sub-Sahara Africa, where Yellow Fever is endemic and vaccination is required.
It is not found in the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific Islands. Some countries near to areas where yellow fever is found, may require a proof of vaccination certificate when visiting, even if there is no risk of picking up the infection in these countries.
To find out if yellow fever is a risk where you are travelling to, or if the country you are visiting requires a vaccination certificate, see:
·         Travel Health Pro: maps of where yellow fever is found
·         Travel Health Pro: country information.

How yellow fever is spread
Yellow fever is a virus spread by mosquito bites. You cannot get it from close contact with someone who has it. The mosquitoes that spread the infection are found in towns and rural areas. They mainly bite during the day.

If you are travelling to an area where yellow fever is found, you must try to avoid being bitten – even if you have been vaccinated – as mosquitoes can also spread other serious illnesses, such as malaria and dengue.
You can do this by using mosquito nets, wearing clothes that cover your arms and legs, and using insect repellent containing 50% DEET.

The Yellow Fever virus is transmitted by mosquitoes.

Symptoms of yellow fever
The first symptoms of yellow fever usually develop three to six days after being infected. They include:
·         a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
·         headache
·         feeling sick or vomiting
·         muscle pain and backache 
·         your eyes being sensitive to light
·         loss of appetite and feeling generally unwell.
Most people make a full recovery after three or four days. A few people go on to get more serious symptoms, such as:
·         yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
·         bleeding from the mouth, nose or eyes
·      vomiting blood (haematamesis) or blood in your faeces (melaena). 

    Up to half of those who get these symptoms die.


Schematic diagram showing the early symptoms of yellow fever.

When to get medical help
You should see a doctor straight away if you get symptoms of yellow fever while travelling in an area where the infection is found. If you get symptoms after recently returning from one of these areas, you must contact your doctor or GP or NHS 111 for advice as soon as possible.
Tell them exactly where you have been travelling, if you think you have been bitten by a mosquito, and what symptoms you have. You may need to have a blood test to check for the infection.

Treatments for yellow fever
There is no cure for yellow fever, but the symptoms can be treated while your body fights off the infection. Most people make a full recovery after three or four days.

Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help lower your temperature and relieve aches or pains in the meantime. Also you must drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
If you have more serious symptoms, you may need to go into hospital for close monitoring and treatment of your symptoms until you're feeling better.

Information about you
If you have yellow fever, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS).
This helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time.

Source: NHS Choices