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Yellow fever, as we noted, is an acute, infectious, caused by a virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus.

Man becomes infected following the bite of an infected mosquito, which belongs to the genus Aedes aegypti. The viruses are injected into the subcutaneous tissue level and, after playing locally, it spreads throughout the body to reach the circulatory system.

In America, the infection is under control thanks to the efforts to eradicate the mosquitoes and the development of a vaccine, although in some forested regions have registered some cases.

It occurs in tropical regions throughout the Americas, where the number of reported cases has increased markedly as a result of the outbreak of epidemics in Africa with a high number of deaths. Its global incidence is approximately 1,000 people a year reported officially (it is believed that the real could be 200 times greater), of which 15 to 20% die.

It can take many forms, from mild clinical signs to a picture mortal.Posee an incubation period of three to six days, after which begins the period of infection characterized by chills and high fever, muscle aches, headache and severe lumbar The face becomes red coloration by increasing blood flow to sore eyes and light rejection. This is the period in which viruses are spread by blood (viremia), which lasts three to five days.

Then there is a temporary remission of the table takes about 24 to 48 hours. Finally comes the period of intoxication, in which there is an increase of the above symptoms: skin and mucous membranes are pigmented a yellowing (jaundice), removal of blood from the mouth and stools, vomiting of black, in women are bleeding unrelated to menstruation.

Then these people become dehydrated, your blood pressure decreases significantly, there is increased heart rate and go into shock and / or coma. The mortality of yellow fever is high, particularly in those who evolve with jaundice. The fatal outcome ensues between the seventh and tenth day after the start of infection.

Treatment and prevention

Since there is no specific treatment to remove viral agents, therapeutic measures consist in relieving symptoms and preventing complications. For relief of headaches and to reduce fever, acetaminophen is effective, but not acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin-like drugs) can severely aggravate bleeding. Mild sedation, proper hydration and correction of electrolyte imbalances such as sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.. Are basic measures to prevent further complications. Preventive measures aimed at controlling yellow fever are for the eradication of mosquitoes, improving health conditions and vaccinate people living in areas at risk and those who travel to them. Please note that vaccination can not be performed on children under six, pregnant women, people infected with HIV and those with immune system deficiencies.