Yellow Fever Key Messages

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Definition

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It can result in sudden bleeding from the nose, mouth, ear, stomach etc. Most infections resolve but some can lead to death.

Signs and Symptoms

Initial symptoms of yellow fever include

� Sudden fever

� Headache

� Back pain

� Muscle Pain

� Jaundice (Yellowness of the eyes and body)

� Dark urine

� Bleeding (from the nose, ear, mouth and other parts of the body)

� Chills

� General body aches

� Nausea and vomiting

� Fatigue, and weakness.

� Shock and failure of many organs. Roughly 20-50% of people who develop severe illness may die

Prevention

� Ensure that you get vaccinated against Yellow Fever. A single dose of Yellow Fever vaccine, which is included in Nigeria�s routine immunization schedule given at nine-months confers lifelong protection.

Messages

� Yellow fever vaccines are safe and free

� Use insecticides or insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites

� Wear protective clothing to reduce mosquito bites

� Sleep under a long-lasting insecticide-treated net

� Ensure proper sanitation by getting rid of stagnant water or breeding space for mosquitoes

� Health care workers are strongly advised to practice standard universal care precautions while handling patients at all times

� Keep/maintain personal and environmental hygiene

� Dispose both liquid and solid waste properly

� Health workers urged to be alert and maintain a high index of suspicion.

� Keep water containers clean and covered

� Anyone with any of the above symptoms should report promptly to the nearest health

Risk factors

� Mosquito bites

� Poor sanitation (mosquitoes breeding sites in the environment)

Treatment

� Yellow fever is treatable; report early to the nearest health facility

� Supportive care is required

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