The yellow fever disease is mostly common in the tropical areas. Mosquitoes spread the yellow fever virus. This disease not only affects human beings only but primates in general. It is important for people to be aware of this disease and take necessary precaution to prevent it. A mosquito can be very tiny but extremely dangerous. Below are the basic facts about the yellow fever disease.
Symptoms and signs
When a person is bitten by the female mosquito and acquires the yellow fever virus, it will take six days before the symptoms show. The incubation period of the yellow fever virus is six days. Mild symptoms include headache, back pains, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and vomiting. When the disease is severe, the symptoms will be recurrent headache, liver damage and abdominal pain.
Transmission
People acquire the yellow fever disease through the infection of the yellow fever virus in their bodies. The mosquitoes act as the vector. A mosquito that carries the yellow fever virus will transmit it into an individual when it is ingesting his/her blood. The saliva of the mosquito is loaded with the virus and it mixes with the blood during ingestion. The virus then incubates after the infection.
Pathogenesis
After the virus gains access to the blood stream, they start the replication process in the lymph nodes. In the lymph nodes, they only affect the dendritic cells. After that, they affect the hepatocytes, which are the cells in the liver. The virus degrades these cells after infecting them and that causes the creation of cytokines. This causes the virus to start appearing in the hepatocytes.
Diagnosis
Yellow fever can be detected in the body through laboratory tests. The symptoms show the presence of the virus but it is impossible to prove it. It is essential for the infected person to visit a medical clinic and get the attention of a doctor. The laboratory tests will prove the presence of the virus and the level of infection. That will help in determining the best type of treatment.
Prevention
It is necessary for every individual to take responsibility in ensuring his or her safety from this killer disease. Vaccination is the most preferred method of preventing yellow fever. When going to places that are endemic to this disease, you should do your best to avoid mosquito bites. Destroy all the possible places where the mosquitoes can breed like stagnant water.
Vaccine
An effective vaccine in preventing the spread of yellow fever is already available. The vaccine boosts the immune system of the body, giving it the ability to repel the yellow fever virus. The people living in areas infested with this virus are vaccinated. This is necessary for the people planning to visit those areas. The vaccination can last for at least ten years.
Treatment
The impact of the disease in the body of the infected person will determine the mode of treatment that will be suitable for him/her. When the body is deteriorating quickly, it is advisable for the patient to be hospitalized. Sometimes the doctors will use the symptomatic treatment.
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