Yellow fever

Latest update: 27 February 2025 - Authors: Ula Maniewski, Mieke Croughs

Yellow fever is a life-threatening infection that is caused by a virus.

Symptoms

In an initial phase of flu-like symptoms appear such as:

high fever
headache
muscle pain

The second phase is characterized by:

jaundice
bleeding
shock

There is no cure for this virus, only supportive treatment to ease the symptoms.

This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that mainly bite during the day.

Some countries demand a yellow fever vaccination for everyone entering the country. This vaccination must be administered at least ten days prior to arrival and must be registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.

Risk areas

Yellow fever occurs only in subsaharian Africa and Latin America. There is no risk above an altitude of 2300 metres.

View the map

Prevention

Avoid mosquitobites from dusk till dawn

A vaccine is available (Stamaril).

In case of symptoms

Seek medical advice if you suffer any symptoms.

Additional information for doctors

Information about yellow fever for doctors

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