Is there a cure for yellow fever

Introduction

This text deals with the question if there is a cure for yellow fever, a disease transmitted by a bite female mosquito that lives in the tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa. It is believed that it originated in Africa, and then with the migration of people, it was brought in America in the 16th century. So far, a couple of epidemics were recorded in America, Europe and Africa.

The symptoms that indicate yellow fever are fever, nausea and pain, but in some cases, there is appearance of toxic phase in which a liver damages, leading to the fatal result. This disease belongs to a group of hemorrhagic fevers, due to the increased bleeding. According to the WHO statistics, 200 000 people suffer from it every year, 30 000 people die, and the highest percentage of death is recorded in Africa. Since there is no cure for yellow fever, vaccination is required, so, travelers who are going into infected areas should protect themselves from yellow fever.

Signs and symptoms

The first signs of yellow fever infection appear after three to six days from the mosquito bite, and those signs are fever, pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Some of the infected people experience the second phase that is followed by jaundice. Jaundice occurs because of liver damage and it can also be followed by bleeding on the mouth, eyes and gastrointestinal tract. This phase is very dangerous because about 20 % of people who experience second phase die, while people who survive and stay alive develop immunity and their vital organs are not damaged.

Prevention and treatment

The first thing that a person can do if preparing to travel in yellow fever infected areas is to get vaccinated. Avoidance of mosquito bites is also a way of prevention. The vaccine is given on the deltoid muscle and a person gets a certificate with which they proves that they have been vaccinated against yellow fever. Vaccine is given 10 days before the trip and it can last up to 30 years. The WHO suggests that all who live in endemic areas should vaccinate 9-12 months after the birth. The side effects of the vaccine are symptoms resembling those of flu. Generally, side effects are decreased in children, because their body receives the vaccine better than the body of adults. Infection of the nervous system may also develop, but it is very rare (one case in 200 000-300 000 cases). In case a person gets infected, hospitalization is recommended as hospitals have conditions and drugs to prevent liver failure and other symptoms, but yellow fever can not be cured.