Yellow Fever: Causes, diagnosis, symptoms and treatment with homemade remedies
What is Yellow Fever?
Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes are the principal vectors of transmission for
yellow fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin
and eyes, is a common symptom in severe cases, which is why it is termed
"yellow." In some regions of South America and Africa, the illness is
endemic.
Yellow fever is still a serious public health issue even with a vaccination,
especially in tropical and subtropical areas where mosquito populations are
abundant.
Yellow Fever Causes
The yellow fever virus (YFV), a Flavivirus that infects people through mosquito bites, is the main cause of yellow fever. The primary reasons and routes of transmission are as follows:- The most frequent vector of transmission is mosquito bites.
- Urban transmission: The virus is transferred from person to person by infected mosquitoes in urban environments.
- Transmission in the jungle (sylvatic): When people contract the virus from infected monkeys through mosquito bites.
- Intermediate transmission: Where both human and monkey transmission take place, such as in rural or semi-urban regions.
Yellow Fever Symptoms
Three to six days after infection, yellow fever symptoms appear. It develops in two stages:Acute Phase Early:
- Fever
- A headache
- Aches throughout the muscles, particularly in the back
- Cools
- Appetite loss
- Vomiting and feeling queasy
Phase of Toxicology:
- Recurrent fever
- Jaundice (eye and skin yellowing)
- vomiting and abdominal pain, perhaps accompanied by blood
- Liver and kidney problems
- Internal hemorrhage
- Startle
- Failure of an organ
- Death in extreme situations
How is a diagnosis of yellow fever?
Early diagnosis is essential. Typical diagnostic methods consist of:- IgM and IgG antibodies against yellow fever are detected by blood testing.
- To find viral RNA, use the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assay.
- To determine platelet levels, perform a complete blood count (CBC).
- Tests of liver function to assess liver damage and jaundice
Does Yellow Fever Have a Cure?
Yellow fever does not have a specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care, however, significantly increases survival:- Among the supportive treatment options are hospitalization for observation
- Replacing fluids to avoid dehydration
- Oxygen treatment
- transfusion of blood in the event of internal bleeding
- Dialysis for renal failure
- Medication for pain and fever (avoid NSAIDs and aspirin because they increase the risk of bleeding)
Yellow Fever Vaccine: The Best Defense
Vaccination is the most efficient method of preventing yellow fever. Most patients who receive the live-attenuated virus vaccine for yellow fever will be immune for the rest of their lives.Who Needs to Get a Vaccine?
- Visitors to endemic regions
- People who live in areas where yellow fever is common
- Individuals nine months of age and up
- Some nations require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis in order to grant entrance.
Mild side effects from the vaccine include headache, fever, and muscle
soreness.
Rare: Severe neurological consequences or allergic reactions
Tips for Natural Prevention
Other strategies to lower the risk of yellow fever outside immunization include:- Using insect repellents containing picaridin or DEET
- Donning long sleeves and trousers
- avoiding the outdoors when mosquito activity is at its highest (dawn and dusk)
- Using mosquito nets, particularly in places where people sleep
- Getting rid of standing water near houses
Regions Where Yellow Fever Is Possible
In South America and Africa, yellow fever is endemic, particularly in:- Africa: Nigeria
- Angola
- Ghana
- Congo's Democratic Republic
- Uganda
- Ethiopia
Brazil in South America
- Peru
- Colombia
- Venezuela
- Bolivia
Yellow fever and its impact
- The mortality rate from yellow fever can reach 50% in extreme instances, which has an impact on public health.
- worldwide worry because of urban epidemics and travel abroad.
- CDC and WHO keep a close eye on and implement vaccination campaigns in high-risk regions.
Yellow Fever Outbreak History:
- The Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic in 1793 killed 10% of the population.
- 2016: epidemic in the DRC and Angola, affecting thousands and causing vaccination shortages.
- Recent outbreaks in Brazil and Nigeria led to widespread vaccination programs.
WHO's Yellow Fever Control Guidelines
Vaccination on a regular basis in endemic areasRequirement of a vaccination certificate for passengers
Mass vaccination efforts in an emergency during outbreaks
Strategies for surveillance and vector control
When Should I See a Physician?
Get medical help right now if you:- Recently visited a region where yellow fever is endemic
- Get bleeding, jaundice, or a high fever
- Display symptoms of renal or liver failure.
- Do you not know if you are vaccinated?
- Life can be saved by early detection.
Conclusion: The Importance of Paying Attention to Yellow
Fever
Although it may be avoided, yellow fever is nonetheless quite fatal.
Prevention, immunization, and awareness are more crucial than ever because of
the rise in mosquito breeding grounds brought on by climate change and
increased international travel. Become informed and immunized to protect your
community and yourself.
10 Homemade Remedies for Yellow Fever
Natural Electrolyte: Coconut Water
- Why: Aids in preventing dehydration brought on by vomiting and fever.
- Use: Have one or two glasses of fresh, unsweetened water each day.
Papaya Leaf Juice Why:
- Used in dengue treatment, it may increase platelet counts.
- Fresh papaya leaves should be crushed before the juice is strained. Twice day, take two tablespoons.
Holy basil, or tulsi Tea Why:
- Has immune-stimulating and antiviral qualities.
- Use instructions: Boil 8–10 tulsi leaves in water, drain, and consume twice a day.
Tinospora cordifolia, or Giloy Juice
- Why: renowned for lowering fever and bolstering the immune system.
- Use it on an empty stomach by combining two tablespoons of giloy juice with water.
Fenugreek Tea (Methi Seeds) Why:
- Aids in fever reduction and digestion.
- Use: Boil 1 teaspoon methi seeds in water, soak them overnight, and then drink them warm.
Barley Water Why:
- Promotes digestion and liver detoxification.
- How to apply: Boil 1 tablespoon barley for 15 minutes in 2 cups of water. Drink after straining two or three times a day.
Warm water with lemon and honey Why:
- Promotes liver health and calms the digestive system.
- To use, mix 1 tsp honey and ½ lemon juice with warm water. Have one drink each day.
Boiled Beetroot and Carrot Soup Why:
- Packed in nutrients and antioxidants to aid in healing.
- How to utilize it: Eat it as a light supper while you're healing.
Haldi Doodh, or turmeric milk
- Why: It may support the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- To use, combine 1 cup of heated milk with ½ tsp turmeric. Before going to bed, have a drink.
Amla Juice (Indian Gooseberry) Why:
- Rich in vitamin C, which helps cleanse the liver and strengthen immunity.
- Instructions: Take 20 ml on an empty stomach in the morning, diluted with water.