The Most Lethal Viruses Known To Mankind

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a type of viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes and is most prevalent in parts of Africa, Central America, and South America. This condition typically has an incubation period of three to six days, and many patients never experience any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they begin after the incubation period and include fever, muscle pain, back pain, headaches, and loss of appetite. Some individuals might also develop nausea or vomiting. Thankfully, in the majority of cases, symptoms will resolve on their own within four days. A small percentage of patients with this illness may enter a second phase, which can be severe. Symptoms experienced during this phase generally include high fever, jaundice, dark-colored urine, and abdominal pain. Liver and kidney damage are common in this stage, and fifty percent of patients with this more severe form of yellow fever will die within ten days. A vaccination is available to prevent yellow fever, and patients traveling to certain countries may be required to show proof of vaccination. The vaccine should be used with caution in individuals over sixty years old.