What should you know about a yellow fever rash?

A skin rash is not a defining way to identify yellow fever. It may result from a viral illness, a medicine reaction, heat, insect bites, or another condition. Yellow fever can cause fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and tiredness; more severe illness may involve jaundice or bleeding. A clinician considers the full picture, including travel to an area where yellow fever occurs and the timing of symptoms.

Note when the rash began, where it started, whether it is itchy or painful, and any new medicines, foods, or insect bites. Take clear photographs if the appearance changes, but do not rely on photographs for diagnosis. Avoid scratching broken skin and use measures to prevent mosquito bites until you have medical advice, particularly if fever or other systemic symptoms are present.

Seek urgent medical help for a rash with difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or mouth, fainting, confusion, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. Contact a clinician promptly for fever with a rash after travel to an area where yellow fever occurs. Give the care team your travel dates, destinations, vaccinations, and medicine list.

Ask what conditions are being considered, whether blood tests or observation are needed, and which medicines are safe for fever or discomfort. Ask whether the rash could be related to a new medicine or allergic response. For later travel, discuss whether yellow fever vaccination is appropriate for your planned route.