By Mary Mai
Published 12:35 EST, September 12th, 2021
You’ve probably heard the term “yellow fever” being thrown around the internet. Urban Dictionary defines this term as males having preference over women with Asian descent but in this article, we will not be diving into this internet slang. Instead, we will be diving into the topic of a very serious infectious tropical disease commonly known as yellow fever.
Yellow fever, also known as bunyavirus infection, is a viral infection that can affect the liver, kidneys, and the gastrointestinal tract which is a tract from the mouth to the anus. Mosquitos are the most common carrier of this yellow fever disease and typically located near the Carribean Islands and Africa. In this article, we will be diving into all there is to know about the yellow fever disease. From all the symptoms to even the causes and treatment for this disease.
CAUSES OF YELLOW FEVER
A human is able to contract the yellow fever infection when they have been bitten by a mosquito that also carries the disease. This mosquito is known to be called the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito and is known to do really well in human habitations. A simple bite from the mosquito can be extremely harmful and if bitten by one can also contract the yellow fever disease. This mosquito is also known to spread and can carry dengue fever, zika fever, mayaro, and many more.
SYMPTOMS OF YELLOW FEVER
Symptoms of yellow fever can impact different parts of the human body, often beginning with severe headaches and delirium. Yellow fever can also impact your eyes causing redness and also causing the eyes to be more sensitive to light. Common symptoms also include muscular problems like aches and seizures and also liver issues like hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver. There are also many symptoms that affect the stomach like nausea, abdominal pain, and even cause vomiting as well. People with yellow fever may also experience decreased urination as well as bleeding in the mouth and nose. Another symptom of yellow fever is a slower heart rate.
TREATMENT/CURE FOR YELLOW FEVER
Currently, like many other diseases there is no cure for yellow fever because it is an infection that multiplies over time that cannot be killed by anti biotics. However, prevention for yellow fever does exist and those who live in continents that are mostly affected are highly encouraged to take the vaccination in order to prevent contraction of yellow fever. Those who travel to continents with yellow fever are also recommended to take the vaccine as well. However, those who have contracted the disease go through many treatments including oral rehydration therapy. ORT (oral rehydration therapy) involves drinking water with sugar and salt in order to treat dehydration, this can also be given by a nasogastric tube.
CONCLUSION
Like many other diseases, yellow fever is very complicated and harmful to human beings. Symptoms of yellow fever range from delirium and weak eyesight, to bleeding and hepatitis. The cause of all these symptoms come from a small mosquito known as the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito which is known to be very common for carrying the Yellow Fever disease. Being bitten by one of these mosquitoes can cause yellow fever but thankfully, there are medical interventions that can help prevent someone from contracting this disease. Overall, yellow fever is very harmful and those who live or plan on moving to places with higher risk of yellow fever should proceed with caution. Diseases like yellow fever aren’t curable and can cause many complications. Thankfully, with the help of prevention vaccines that are available to many of us and to those who live in countries that are affected by this disease, many of us can stay safe from the yellow fever mosquito and live a life that is yellow fever free.
Mary Mai, Youth Medical Journal 2021
Works Cited
“Delirium.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 01 Sept. 2020. Web. 01 July 2021.
“Gastrointestinal Tract.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Web. 01 July 2021.
“Yellow Fever.” NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Web. 01 July 2021.
“Yellow Fever: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment.” Netmeds. Web. 01 July 2021.”Yellow Fever: Symptoms and Treatment.” WebMD. WebMD. Web. 01 July 2021.
Youth Medical Journal 