Yellow Fever is a common illness that still runs rampant in many parts of the world, even if most countries nowadays have intensive vaccine programs to wipe it out with lifelong immunity from a single shot. However, it is an infection with horrible symptoms for unvaccinated people, with one and four cases leading to death. So it is crucial that you have the complete rundown on how to protect yourself against Yellow Fever before travelling to Africa or South America.
Yellow Fever is caused by the Yellow Fever virus, transmitted through Yellow Fever Mostiqtois (Aedes aegypt) in subtropical parts worldwide. It develops within 3-6 days of exposure and is a short-duration illness lasting at most a week. Symptoms vary from fever with sore muscles to severe internal bleeding and yellow skin.
Yellow Fever Mosquitos are most commonly found in Africa and South America, so getting a vaccine before you head on holiday is recommended before you travel to those hot spots. However, the most prominent hot spots for more significant inflection in this area are in the subtropical regions where the Aedes species of mosquitos conjugate.
The greatest concentration of Yellow Fever infections in African countries include:
Yellow Fever infected countries in South America:
Remember that this list isn’t complete, and the situation constantly evolves, so to get the most up-to-date information on Yellow Fever, check out the WHO website.
Yellow Fever is an easily preventable illness with proven life-long immunity from one vaccine shot. In addition, studies have shown that a single shot saves you from a potentially deadly illness, ensuring you can enjoy your time abroad without worrying about getting sick and spoiling your free time.
You can protect yourself from Yellow Fever with a single vaccine from your local doctor. This is as easy as booking a travel doctor appointment and getting the shot for the nurse to administer a few weeks before you travel. However, it should be noted that when you are already infected, there is no cure or medicine to negate the effects.
If you are travelling and cannot get a vaccine, there are still some ways to avoid Yellow Fever even if you are not vaccinated. This can be as simple as wearing long sleeves and pants, covering up your exposed skin outside, and wearing insect repellant. However, the number one way to protect yourself against Yellow Fever is to plan and get a vaccine before travel.