Yellow fever hepatitis: what to know

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. In yellow fever, liver involvement is part of a serious infection rather than a separate form of viral hepatitis. Yellowing of the eyes or skin can happen when the liver is not processing bilirubin normally, but jaundice also has other possible causes.

The liver helps process substances in the body and makes proteins involved in clotting. When it is affected, a person may feel very unwell and can develop nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or unusual bruising or bleeding. Clinical assessment and tests help identify the cause.

Do not try to diagnose yellow fever from jaundice alone. Seek medical advice promptly and give a clear travel history, including countries visited, dates, mosquito exposure and vaccination status. Avoid alcohol and do not start or stop medicines without advice, as some substances can place additional strain on the liver.

For future trips, arrange a travel-health assessment in advance. Yellow Fever Vaccination provides a starting point for discussing whether vaccination is suitable for your itinerary and health history.

Get urgent care for fever after travel together with jaundice, persistent vomiting, severe weakness, bleeding, black stools, confusion, fainting or trouble breathing. Emergency assessment is also appropriate when abdominal pain is severe or symptoms are worsening quickly. Tell clinicians about all recent destinations.

Ask what may be causing the liver symptoms, which tests are needed, and whether any medicines or supplements should be avoided. If you are planning travel, ask how your liver history affects the choice of preventive measures.