YELLOW FEVER

INTRODUCTION:-Yellow fever: A viral infection transmitted by mosquito bites which can damage various organs such as the liver, heart, kidney and digestive tract.

CAUSES:-An acute infectious disease primarily of the tropics, caused by the yellow fever virus, a 40 to 50 nm wide enveloped RNA virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae and transmitted to man by mosquitoes of the genera Aedes and Haemagogus. Caused by a flavivirus transmitted by a mosquito.

SYMPTOMS:- Fever ,Headache ,Pain in the muscles ,Jaundice, Bleeding, which may progress to hemorrhage, Red eyes face and tongue ,Brain dysfunction ,Decreased urination ,Delirium Seizures ,Coma ,Vomiting blood.

DIAGNOSIS:-In the early stages, yellow fever can be confused with diseases like malaria, typhoid, rickettsial disease, Hemorrhagic viral fevers, arboviral infections, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis, and poisoning. An individual has to go through a laboratory analysis, in order to confirm the presence of the disease. Several other tests are also used to identify the virus. All the tests that are used to determine the virus require laboratory staff that are trained and are able to use specialized equipment and materials.

TREATMENT:-For yellow fever there is, like for all diseases caused by Flaviviruses, no causative cure. Hospitalization is advisable and intensive care may be necessary because of rapid deterioration in some cases. Different methods for acute treatment of the disease have been shown to not be very successful; passive immunization after emergence of symptoms is probably without effect. Ribavirin and other antiviral drugs as well as treatment with interferon do not have a positive effect in patients.A symptomatic treatment includes rehydration and pain relief with drugs like paracetamol, Acetylsalicylic acid (for example Aspirin) should not be given because of its haemodiluting effect, which can be  devastating in the case of inner bleeding that can occur with yellow fever.

PREVENTION:-The most important measure for prevention is the vaccination. In areas where no vaccination is available, it is important to be cautious. If you are venturing into an area where yellow fever is common, wear clothes that cover your entire body, use mosquito repellents, and sleep under bed nets.