Yellow fever is a serious infectious disease caused by a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. It can cause severe symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. In some cases, it can lead to death.
Fatalities of Yellow Fever
The mortality rate for yellow fever is highly variable and depends on many factors, including the age and overall health of the person infected, the strain of the virus, and the availability of medical care. In general, yellow fever has a higher mortality rate in young children and in individuals with weakened immune systems. In areas with limited access to medical care, mortality rates can be as high as 50%. In areas with better access to medical care, mortality rates are typically lower, ranging from 1-15%.
Preventing Yellow Fever
The best way to prevent yellow fever is to get a yellow fever vaccine. The vaccine is generally recommended for people traveling to or living in areas where there is a risk of infection. It is important to note that the vaccine does not provide complete protection and may not be effective in all cases. Other measures to reduce the risk of infection include avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present, wearing insect repellent, and wearing long-sleeved clothing.