How can yellow fever be cured

The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Yellow fever is a very rare cause of illness in U. Illness ranges from a fever with aches and pains to severe liver disease with bleeding and yellowing skin jaundice. There is no medicine to treat or cure infection.

To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated. Previous Section Next Section.

Condition Spotlight. Clinical Trials. MyHealth Login. Financial Assistance. Medical Records. Contact Us. Video Visits. Get a Second Opinion. Yellow fever is a serious viral infection that is spread by certain types of mosquito. The condition can be prevented with a vaccination and is a very rare cause of illness in travellers. Between and , there was twelve cases of yellow fever reported among European travellers.

None of these travellers were vaccinated, 5 of these cases occurred in If you're planning to visit places where yellow fever infection is found, you should seek travel health advice before you travel.

A map and list of countries where yellow fever is found is available on the NHS Fit for Travel website. The virus that causes yellow fever is passed to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes that spread the infection are usually active and bite during daylight hours, and are found in both urban and rural areas.

The symptoms of yellow fever occur in two stages. The initial symptoms develop three to six days after infection, and can include:. Side effects are usually mild, lasting five to 10 days, and may include headaches, low-grade fevers, muscle pain, fatigue and soreness at the site of injection. More-significant reactions — such as developing a syndrome similar to actual yellow fever, inflammation of the brain or death — can occur, most often in infants and older adults.

The vaccine is considered safest for those between the ages of 9 months and 60 years. Talk to your doctor about whether the yellow fever vaccine is appropriate if your child is younger than 9 months, if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant or if you're older than 60 years.

In addition to getting the vaccine, you can help protect yourself against yellow fever by protecting yourself against mosquitoes. Skin repellent. Choose the concentration based on the hours of protection you need.

In general, higher concentrations last longer. Keep in mind that chemical repellents can be toxic, and use only the amount needed for the time you'll be outdoors. Don't use DEET on the hands of young children or on infants under 2 months of age. Instead, cover your infant's stroller or playpen with mosquito netting when outside. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, oil of lemon eucalyptus, a more natural product, offers the same protection as DEET when used in similar concentrations.

But these products should not be used on children younger than age 3. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.