A viral infection that causes a hemorrhagic fever, and is acquired from the bite of an infected mosquito. It is caused by the yellow fever virus, a flavivirus. Currently, it occurs most frequently in Africa and parts of South America. It is seen in the U.S. in people traveling to those areas. In mild cases, it causes fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. Yellow fever can become more serious, causing bleeding (hemorrhaging), heart, liver and kidney problems. Elevation of bilirubin in the blood causes jaundice and turns the skin yellow giving the disorder its name. Half of those with the severest form do not survive. Vaccination provides immunity and is recommended to all travelers visiting endemic areas.
Description
A viral infection that causes a hemorrhagic fever, and is acquired from the bite of an infected mosquito. It is caused by the yellow fever virus, a flavivirus. Currently, it occurs most frequently in Africa and parts of South America. It is seen in the U.S. in people traveling to those areas. In mild cases, it causes fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. Yellow fever can become more serious, causing bleeding (hemorrhaging), heart, liver and kidney problems. Elevation of bilirubin in the blood causes jaundice and turns the skin yellow giving the disorder its name. Half of those with the severest form do not survive. Vaccination provides immunity and is recommended to all travelers visiting endemic areas.
Symptoms
Fever, headache, jaundice (yellow skin), muscle aches (myalgia), red eyes. Complications of severe infection include stomach and intestinal bleeding, damage to multiple vital organs in the body such as the heart, liver and kidneys.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests are done to monitor heart, liver and kidney function and to help confirm the diagnosis. The virus is identified using serologic blood tests.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), viral culture, PT (Protime), PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time)
Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests are done to monitor heart, liver and kidney function and to help confirm the diagnosis. The virus is identified using serologic blood tests.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), viral culture, PT (Protime), PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time)
Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Treatment for symptoms can include: oral and/or intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, therapies to lower high body temperature, blood transfusions for severe bleeding, dialysis for kidney failure.