Yellow Fever: What Ghanaians Need to Know

Yellow Fever, a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, remains a public health concern in parts of Africa, including Ghana. Health experts stress the importance of awareness, prevention, and timely vaccination to reduce the risk of outbreaks.

Causes

Yellow Fever is caused by the yellow fever virus, which is primarily spread through the bite of infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. The virus circulates between humans and mosquitoes in urban areas and between monkeys and mosquitoes in jungle settings, making it both an urban and sylvatic disease.

Symptoms

The disease typically begins with a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, back pain, and muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue are also common. In severe cases, Yellow Fever can progress to a toxic phase characterized by jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding, liver and kidney failure, and, in some instances, death.

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after infection, and not everyone who contracts the virus develops severe disease. However, those who do may face life-threatening complications if treatment is not sought promptly.

Prevention

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Yellow Fever. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a single dose of the Yellow Fever vaccine, which provides lifelong protection for most people. Travelers to endemic areas are required to show proof of vaccination at entry points.

Additional preventive measures include:

• Avoiding mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets.
• Eliminating mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around homes and communities.
• Awareness campaigns to educate the public on early symptoms and the importance of vaccination.

Treatment and Outlook

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Yellow Fever. Care focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting vital organ functions. Early medical attention can significantly improve recovery chances.

Health authorities in Ghana continue to monitor high-risk areas, conduct vaccination campaigns, and educate the public to prevent outbreaks. Citizens are urged to take vaccination seriously and adhere to mosquito control measures, particularly during the rainy season when mosquito populations increase.

Yellow Fever is preventable, but vigilance, timely vaccination, and awareness are key to protecting lives and reducing the risk of future outbreaks.