Travel Medicine Clinic at Hartshorn Health Service (970)-491-7121

What is Yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes.  It occurs  in tropical regions of Africa and South America.  (See yellow fever maps).

Symptoms of yellow fever can be mild and go unrecognized but sometimes can be severe and life threatening.  Symptoms of severe illness usually begin 3-6 days after exposure and start with a sudden onset of fever, headache, backache, nausea, and vomiting.  These symptoms usually last about 3-4 days and are followed by jaundice and a hemorrhagic phase.  Common hemorrhagic symptoms include bleeding from the nose and/or mouth and blood in vomitus (this may appear black and tarry).  As the disease progresses, organ failure, coma and death can occur.  Death occurs in about 50% of severe cases, usually after about two weeks of illness.  Treatment consists of supportive measures.  There is no cure.

Yellow fever-endemic zones in the Americas, 2005	Yellow fever-endemic zones in the Africa, 2005

Prevention
All travelers should take measures to prevent mosquito bites using appropriate clothing, bed netting and insect repellents.  (See Preventing Insect Borne Diseases).  Travelers to Yellow Fever endemic zones are recommended, and in some countries required, to obtain the Yellow Fever vaccine.

The Yellow Fever Vaccine
Yellow fever is preventable by a relatively safe, effective vaccine.   It can be obtained at authorized U.S. vaccination centers.  Children 9 months and older can be vaccinated.  A single dose is given and immunity develops by the tenth day.  Revaccination is required after a lapse of 10 years.

Mild side effects from the vaccine include soreness, redness or swelling at the site where the shot was given, mild headaches, fever and/or body aches.  The side effects usually begin soon after the shot and last for 5-10 days.  In studies, they have occurred in as many as 25% of vaccine recipients.  Severe side effects are rare but can be caused by severe allergic reaction (1/131,000) or severe nervous system reactions (1/150,000-250,000).

Hartshorn Health Service provides Yellow Fever vaccination. Those interested can call 970-491-7121 to set up an appointment.