Yellow Fever Outbreak: Do We have to Worry in America?

Yellow fever is a viral disease which is spread by infected mosquitoes. The recent outbreak of yellow fever in Africa has got the entire world concerned about its reach on their shores. Yellow fever falls in the same category of viruses as Dengue fever. The symptoms of include:

• Severe Chills and fever
• Intense headaches
• Fatigue and weakness
• Body ache, especially back and muscular pain
• Vomiting and nausea

Do we have something to worry about? Let’s delve into some figures and statistics to explore this further.

Is Yellow Fever Fatal?

About fifteen percent of total people affected from yellow fever develop life-threatening complications from it. This is because it has a direct impact on the liver, which is a vital organ for normal functioning. People at high risk for complications experience the following:

• Bleeding
• Organ shock
• High fever
• Jaundice

According to the statistics provided by CDC, around twenty to fifty percent of people who reach this stage of disease die.

Is there a vaccine?

While the disease itself has no cure, it has a very potent vaccination that gives lifelong protection to people. The World Health Organization holds the rights to producing and distributing the vaccination. The organization is responsible for introducing a huge campaign for promotion of vaccination to contain its spread as a consequence. The campaign basically focuses on African regions of Luanda. Regions outside Africa are not at a high risk factor of potential deaths and fatality, provided that no one carried the infection from Africa to other regions. This is the reason why airports and other modes of travel and communication have strict medical screening measures.

Where do Americans Stand?

The United States of America has no recent record of yellow fever epidemics. The most intense episode took place in 1878, leaving over 13,000 people dead. However, the good news is that it is highly unlikely for an epidemic to break in today’s time and age because of the control of mosquitoes. Currently, we don’t have to worry about it, but precautionary measures and steps should be taken with strict observance to continue keeping the danger at bay. If you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms in yourself, or anyone around you, please visit your nearest ER, where the staff can run proper diagnostics for your symptoms.

 Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.