Yellow fever · Overview
Yellow fever is an epidemic-prone mosquito-borne vaccine preventable disease that is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and jaundice. Severe cases can lead to organ failure and death.
Resurfacing Threat in the United States
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 18, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Yellow fever may be resurfacing in the United States, thanks to climate change. The mosquitoes that spread yellow fever are present in the US, and with increasingly favorable conditions due to global warming, there is a growing concern among scientists.
A Warning from Scientists
Now scientists writing in the Oct. 19 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine warn that yellow fever could reemerge in Southern states. The research highlights the potential risk of the disease spreading further and becoming a significant public health concern.
Viral Hemorrhagic Disease
Yellow fever virus, transmitted by infected Aedes spp. mosquitoes, causes an acute viral hemorrhagic disease. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in severe cases, it can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, and death. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against yellow fever.
The Corridor of Transmission
Recent research has shed light on the transmission patterns of yellow fever. Scientists have discovered that the virus has been traveling through a corridor that connects the Amazonian region to southeastern Brazil. This finding is crucial in understanding how the disease can spread to new areas.
Reconstructing Transmission History
Through a combination of phylogenetic and epidemiological models, researchers have reconstructed the recent transmission history of yellow fever virus within different regions. This information helps identify high-risk areas and develop targeted strategies for prevention and control.
Filling Knowledge Gaps
To fill gaps in knowledge of yellow fever, a group of researchers in Brazil affiliated with the Department of Pathology conducted a study. Their findings contribute to a better understanding of the disease's dynamics and provide valuable insights for future prevention and control efforts.
International Concern
Yellow fever is not limited to specific countries or regions; it is a global concern. The potential reemergence of yellow fever in the United States emphasizes the need for international collaboration in surveillance, prevention, and vaccination campaigns.
