Key points
- Yellow fever virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
- Illness ranges from a fever with aches to severe liver disease with bleeding and yellowing skin and eyes.
- A vaccine is available for at risk travelers.
- You can also reduce your risk by avoiding mosquito bites.
Overview
Yellow fever virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. Yellow fever is a very rare cause of illness in U.S. travelers.
Illness ranges from a fever with aches and pains to severe liver disease with bleeding and yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice). Yellow fever is diagnosed based on laboratory testing, a person’s symptoms, and travel history.
There is no medicine to treat yellow fever. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, protect yourself from mosquito bites and get vaccinated, if vaccination is recommended for you.