Yellow Fever: A Looming Threat
The spectrum of diseases spread by mosquitoes is no news to mankind. These miniature aerial beings carry diseases that can occasionally be fatal. Dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are the most common mosquito-borne diseases affecting people globally. Among these, lies one more disease that has shown a resurgence in several countries and can potentially develop into an outbreak if not administered caution. This short read discusses yellow fever- an impending doom waiting for its comeback.
1. Knowing Is Half the Battle
Being aware of yellow fever is the primary step towards averting the unwelcome crisis. It is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can easily infect humans from the concerned mosquito’s bite. Yellow fever, caused by the arbovirus, is an epidemic-prone disease transmitted mainly by infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. The best time of day for these mosquitoes to bite people is during the day. Bearing incredibly diverse habitats that range from homes to untamed forests, these mosquitoes can be found anywhere!
2. Symptom Check!
Within three to six days following a mosquito bite, yellow fever manifests itself. Many people frequently show up with almost no symptoms at all! Fever, body aches, headache, muscle exhaustion, appetite loss, nausea, and vomiting are typical symptoms. After they have recovered from the initial symptoms, a regrettable number of individuals may go on to endure a second episode of the disease within a 24-hour period. Elevated body temperatures, jaundice, involvement of the kidneys and liver, and severe abdominal discomfort are indicative of this phase. This stage's recuperation time may take longer than you would want!
3. Preventable, Is It?
This might be the perfect time for you to read about the good news that yellow fever has to offer. It is a completely vaccine-preventable disease, which is both cheap and safe for utilization! The vaccine for yellow fever comes in a single dose and guarantees life-long protection from the illness. Eliminating mosquito breeding places is an excellent strategy to protect yourself from deadly yellow fever, in addition to immunization. Being fully clothed in mosquito-prone areas and using mosquito repellents can never go wrong.
4. No Vaccine, No Travel
Many countries demand that you present a valid proof of vaccination against the yellow fever. The exception list includes select populations like infants, expectant mothers, and immunocompromised patients such as those with HIV. An outbreak of yellow fever is defined as any confirmed case in an unvaccinated population. Teams tasked with conducting investigations must evaluate the outbreak and implement both short-term and long-term vaccination strategies.
Yellow fever poses a serious global threat that asks us to think of better strategies to deal with the potential outbreak. Such viral fevers do not have a specific medication to treat the condition. You must rest, stay hydrated, and get timely medical treatment as required. Yellow fever poses a serious and potentially dangerous threat to worldwide health security due to its significant impact and potential for international spread. Yellow fever may be a looming threat, that can prove to be a hollow one if one adheres to the prevention protocol as stated.
