THE yellow fever is a serious disease caused by a virus of the genus Flavivirus. Its transmission in Brazil occurs through the bite of two mosquitoes: o Haemagogus janthinomys, when it occurs in forest areas (wild yellow fever), and the Aedes aegypti, when the disease is transmitted in the urban area (urban yellow fever).
It is a disease found in South America, Central America and Africa. In American countries, urban yellow fever has not occurred since 1954, and is therefore considered to have been eradicated in large cities. However, due to the large circulation of Aedes aegypti, the possibility of new infections in these areas cannot be ruled out. Wild yellow fever, unlike urban fever, still occurs in several areas of the country.
Yellow fever is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms such as high fevers, head and body aches, tiredness, chills and vomiting. These symptoms last for about three days. After a period of approximately two days without any malaise, the disease can progress to its most severe form and then other problems. may appear, such as: kidney and liver failure, yellowish skin (jaundice), bleeding, vomiting and stools similar in color to coffee grounds. However, it is more common that after the first stage of the disease the person recovers completely.
Yellow fever can cause body aches, headaches and high fever
When symptoms appear, it is necessary to seek medical attention, especially if you have been in places with a high risk of contracting the disease (forest areas). Because the initial signs are similar to those of other diseases, it is necessary to perform tests to confirm the diagnosis.
It is noteworthy that it is a disease that has no treatment and, in cases of proven diagnosis, only medicines will be used to reduce fever. As with dengue, the use of acetylsalicylic acid is not recommended.
Yellow fever can only be contracted once, meaning a person who has had the disease will be immune to it forever. It is also important that the population get vaccinated against the disease. This vaccine protects our body for 10 years, after this period, it is necessary to take a booster dose.
For prevention, keep your vaccine up to date, always wear pants and long-sleeved clothing in risky places, and always use repellent.
You may have noticed that the Aedes aegypti is the same mosquito that transmits the dengue. This reminds us of the importance of destroying this mosquito's breeding grounds, never leaving standing water.
Curiosity: Did you know that to travel to some countries in Africa and South America it is necessary to present a vaccination card on days with the yellow fever vaccine? The vaccine must be taken 10 days before the trip (if not vaccinated) and you must have the International Certificate of Vaccination (CIV) in hand.
by Vanessa dos Santos
Graduated in Biology
