Yellow fever

Yellow fever is an infection caused by a virus called flavivirus. Yellow fever gets its name from the yellowing of the skin and eyes once the infection attacks the liver.

Yellow fever is a reportable disease in Ontario.

It can take three to six days to start showing symptoms after being exposed to the virus.

At first, symptoms include:

• sudden onset of fever
• chills
• headache
• joint and muscle pain
• loss of appetite
• abdominal & back pain
• nausea and vomiting,
• fatigue
• weakness
• dehydration

Most clients recover after this stage.

In severe cases, yellow fever can lead to serious complications such as:

• shock
• internal bleeding
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• organ failure

You should see a health care provider if the illness seems to be causing more serious symptoms.

Yellow fever is spread through a bite from an infected mosquito. These mosquitos are common in Africa and South America.

This type of mosquito usually bites during the daytime, especially at sunrise and sunset.

There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Only supportive care will help relieve the symptoms.

There is a vaccine available that protects against yellow fever.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent, using bed nets and following other mosquito prevention tips. Learn more about insect bite prevention.

If you will be visiting a yellow fever hotspot, talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated.