Yellow Fever Symptoms and Treatment

Yellow fever is a viral infection passed through bites from infected mosquitoes. Early illness may resemble other infections, with sudden fever, chills, tiredness, back pain, reduced appetite or vomiting. Some people improve after this stage, while others become more unwell and may develop yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, abdominal pain, bleeding, or marked weakness. Jaundice is a possible presentation of yellow fever, but it is not present in every person with the infection.

There is no medicine that directly clears yellow fever virus. A clinician can assess hydration, liver function and signs of severe illness, then provide fluids, symptom relief and hospital monitoring when needed. Rest, drink fluids if you can keep them down, and avoid alcohol while unwell. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a clinician says they are suitable, because bleeding can be a concern in severe illness. Tell the clinician about recent travel and mosquito exposure. Prevention before travel may include Yellow Fever Vaccination.

Seek urgent medical assessment for fever after travel to an area where yellow fever occurs, especially with jaundice, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, confusion, unusual bleeding, very little urine or increasing drowsiness. These features need prompt evaluation because dehydration and organ involvement can develop. A milder fever still deserves medical advice when it follows relevant travel, since several infections can look similar at first.

Ask which tests can help identify the cause of your fever, whether you need observation in hospital, which pain or nausea medicines are appropriate, and how to reduce mosquito bites while you recover. If travel is planned, ask whether vaccination is appropriate for your destination and health history.