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Yellow Fever

What is yellow fever?mosquito1

Yellow fever is a virus transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.  It is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa.  It is very uncommon for U.S. citizens to get yellow fever while traveling internationally.

What are the symptoms of yellow fever?

Symptoms usually begin to show 3-6 days after infection.  Symptoms may include:

  • Onset of fever
  • Chills
  • Severe headache
  • Body aches and back pains
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Jaundice
  • Bleeding, especially in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Eventual shock and failure of many organs

Most people will improve after the initial flu-like symptoms.  About 15% of people with yellow fever will experience the more severe symptoms, including bleeding and organ failure.  About 20%-50% of people with severe yellow fever will die from complications.

How is yellow fever diagnosed?

A blood test can determine if the virus or antibodies protecting against the virus are present in the body.

How is yellow fever treated?

There is no specific treatment for yellow fever, but patients with yellow fever should be hospitalized to help treat their symptoms.  Rest, plenty of fluids, and pain medications can help relieve some symptoms caused by yellow fever.

How can travelers prevent getting yellow fever?

Yellow fever can be prevented by:

  • Getting the vaccine.  People aged 9 months or older should get the vaccine if they live or travel to areas where yellow fever is common.
  • Use insect repellent.  Use an EPA-registered insect repellent any time you go outdoors.
  • Wear protective clothing.  Wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks can prevent the risk for getting mosquito bites.  Sometimes mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing, so spray with insect repellent as well.
  • Sleep with mosquito nets.  Many mosquitoes bite at night, so sleep with protective mosquito nets.
  • Protect yourself during peak times.  Aedes aegypti mosquitos, which cause yellow fever, feed during daytime hours.  Protect yourself with insect repellent and clothing when the mosquitoes are at their peak feeding time.

What should I do if I think I have yellow fever?

Call your healthcare provider if you believe you may have yellow fever.  Your doctor can provide proper diagnoses.

Mosquito Prevention

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Improving Community Health

Improving Community Health

There are many factors that contribute to the health status of Carson City, both positive and negative. These include the challenges of living in a rural area, Nevada’s unique culture, the physical environment, and the condition of the Local Public Health System (LPHS). In 2013, United Health Foundation ranked Nevada 37th in the nation for overall public health. Nevada continues to be challenged by poor public health per-person spending, low high school graduation rates and increased violent … [more]

About Accreditation

Carson City Health and Human Services leads Nevada's efforts to achieve public health accreditation by assessing the community's health, implementing health intervention strategies and by increasing … [more]

Our Mission

To protect and improve the quality of life for our community through disease prevention, education, and support services.

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Carson City Health and Human Services
900 E. Long St.
Carson City, NV 89706
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(775) 887-2190 phone
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