TravelMed
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All diseases
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Vaccine-preventable

Yellow Fever

Transmitted by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes in tropical regions of Africa and South America.

Symptoms

Initial phase: fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea. Toxic phase (15% of cases): jaundice, bleeding, organ failure. Case fatality 20–50% in toxic phase.

Treatment

No specific antiviral treatment. Supportive intensive care for severe cases. Prevention through vaccination is critical.

Endemic regions

Tropical regions of Africa (sub-Saharan) and South America (Amazon basin, surrounding areas).

Prevention & prophylaxis
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Yellow fever vaccine (YF-VAX / Stamaril)
Single dose provides lifelong protection — no booster needed (WHO 2013). Must be administered at an approved vaccination center. International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) required for entry into many African and South American countries. Administer ≥10 days before travel.
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Mosquito avoidance
Use DEET-based repellent, permethrin-treated clothing, and bed nets. Yellow fever mosquitoes bite during the day. Vaccination remains the primary and most effective prevention.