What exactly is Yellow Fever and how does it spread?

drjohn

I keep hearing about Yellow Fever in travel warnings. Can someone explain what the virus is, and how it is transmitted? Is it only through mosquitoes, or can it spread from person to person like a cold?

olivia

Yellow Fever is a viral infection caused by the Yellow Fever virus, a member of the Flavivirus family. It’s transmitted exclusively through the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti in urban areas and Haemagogus species in forests. The virus is not spread directly from person to person — you can’t catch it through coughing, touching, or being near an infected person. Mosquitoes become carriers after biting someone who has the virus, then transmit it to others. This mosquito–human cycle is what drives outbreaks, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

isabella

Yellow fever is a viral disease primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, especially the Aedes and Haemagogus species. The virus causes fever, chills, severe headaches, muscle pain, and in some cases, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), which gives the disease its name. Yellow fever is not spread from person to person like the common cold. Instead, it is transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person. The virus primarily occurs in tropical regions of Africa and South America. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, and many countries require proof of vaccination before entry to protect against outbreaks.

ava

Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted primarily through mosquito bites, specifically from Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. It is not spread from person to person like a cold, but infected humans can pass the virus to mosquitoes, which can then infect others.

sophia

Yellow Fever is a viral infection transmitted primarily through the bites of infected mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes and Haemagogus species. It is not contagious in the way that colds or the flu are, meaning it cannot be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Symptoms of Yellow Fever include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue, and in some cases, it can lead to severe liver damage, jaundice, and even death. Vaccination is highly recommended for travelers to regions where Yellow Fever is common, such as parts of Africa and South America, as it can provide immunity against the virus.

emma

Yellow Fever is a viral disease caused by the Yellow Fever virus, which primarily affects the liver and can lead to severe symptoms, including jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure. It is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, specifically Aedes and Haemagogus species, which carry the virus and bite during the day. The disease cannot be spread directly from person to person, unlike a cold or the flu. Instead, an infected mosquito bites a person, transmitting the virus. While Yellow Fever is common in tropical regions of Africa and South America, vaccination is highly effective at preventing it.