Yellow Fever: Treatment & Prevention

There is no known cure for yellow fever; however, there are antibiotics that can be given to a patient to help with the symptoms of fever and dehydration. A patient should also get plenty of bed rest, drink many fluids, and take acetaminophen to relieve pain and discomfort. In more severe cases, hospitalization is mandatory. A person with a more severe case of yellow fever should have breathing support from a ventilator, IV fluids, plenty of bed rest, excellent nursing care, and medications to prevent seizures, nausea, and vomiting.

The most important preventative measure that can be taken for yellow fever is a vaccination. Max Theiler, a South African research physician, developed this vaccine in 1937. Vaccination is the safest and healthiest way to prevent yellow fever. A single dosage of the vaccine will keep one safe from yellow fever for up to ten years. Vaccination is required for people entering regions where this disease is native. Vaccination is also mandatory for people arriving from Africa or South America. To prevent an epidemic in a country, it is necessary that more than eighty percent of the population in that country receives this vaccine. This vaccine is not recommended for children younger than six months old. Also, women who are pregnant should only receive this vaccine if an epidemic should occur.