Yellow fever is a viral disease that is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), which belongs to the Flaviviridae family. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes or Haemagogus mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water pools and other areas with standing water.
The main symptom of yellow fever is fever, which is usually accompanied by chills, headache, backache, and general muscle pains. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the virus can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), hemorrhaging, liver damage, and kidney failure.
The yellow fever virus is endemic in parts of Africa and South America, and is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This species of mosquito is also responsible for transmitting other diseases, such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. The virus is maintained in a cycle between humans and mosquitoes, with the infected mosquitoes spreading the virus to other humans through their bites.
Because the yellow fever virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, the best way to prevent it is to reduce the mosquito population by eliminating standing water and applying insect repellents. Vaccination is also recommended for travelers to high-risk areas. In the event of an outbreak, health authorities may also implement mosquito control measures such as chemical spraying or larviciding.