Facts about yellow fever

Yellow fever virus is passed by infected mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America. Early illness may bring fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. Some people then develop yellowing of the eyes or skin, bleeding, confusion, or organ problems. Symptoms after travel can have many causes, so travel history is essential when speaking with a clinician.

There is no specific antiviral cure routinely used for yellow fever. Medical care focuses on assessment, fluids, symptom support, and watching for complications.

Check destination requirements and health advice well before travel. Ask whether [Yellow Fever Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/yellow-fever-vaccination/) is suitable, especially if pregnant, immunocompromised, or living with a condition affecting the thymus. Wear long clothing, use mosquito repellent, and sleep behind screens or under treated nets. If fever develops during or after travel to a risk area, tell the clinician where and when you travelled.

Seek emergency care for yellow eyes or skin with confusion, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, extreme sleepiness, or breathing difficulty. Get same-day medical advice for fever after travel to a yellow-fever area, even if symptoms seem mild, and mention any vaccination received.

Ask whether your itinerary carries risk, whether vaccination is medically appropriate, which mosquito precautions to use, and what symptoms should trigger care after returning.