Key points
- There is no specific treatment for yellow fever; clinical management is supportive.
- Monitor patients closely for severe complications.
- Counsel travelers at risk for yellow fever about vaccination and using personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever; clinical management is supportive. Treatment for symptoms can include rest, fluids, and use of analgesics and antipyretics. Patients should be advised to avoid aspirin containing drugs or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which might increase the risk of bleeding. Patients who develop more severe symptoms should be hospitalized for close observation and supportive treatment.
Prevention
YF can be prevented through vaccination. A live-attenuated yellow fever virus vaccine (YF-VAX) is available in the United States.
Regardless of vaccination status, travelers should be advised to use personal protective measures to decrease exposure to infected mosquitoes. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin. Travelers should choose a hotel or lodging with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors. More information about preventing mosquito bites while traveling is available on the CDC Mosquitoes website.
People infected with yellow fever virus are viremic and potentially infectious to mosquitoes shortly before the onset of fever and up to 5 days after onset. Therefore, patients with yellow fever should be advised to protect themselves against mosquito bites for up to 5 days after symptom onset.