When you think of mosquito-borne illnesses like yellow fever, you might assume that they’re rare occurrences in the U.S. But in recent years, these diseases have been on the rise in the country. For instance, malaria was detected in the U.S. in June for the first time in two decades. More recently, California reported its first locally acquired case of dengue virus.
Now, experts are concerned that yellow fever, which hasn’t had a major outbreak in the U.S. since 1905, could make a comeback. Infectious disease experts at Baylor College of Medicine and Stanford School of Medicine have published a piece in the New England Journal of Medicine calling for yellow fever to be prioritized in pandemic preparedness planning.
Climate change is thought to be a driving factor behind the increase in mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S. “The threat of yellow fever developing in America is closely linked to rising temperatures and climate change,” says Dr. Sarah Park from Karius. “Mosquitos thrive in warm, wet weather.”
While yellow fever can be deadly, most people experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. The mortality rate is low in modern times thanks to advances in medicine and the availability of a vaccine. The yellow fever vaccine has been around for 80 years and is mainly given to people traveling to areas with active cases.
Unfortunately, there’s still a chance that yellow fever could reemerge in the U.S. “We are seeing an uptick in several mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., including malaria and dengue fever,” says Dr. Linda Yancey from Memorial Hermann Health System. “If those diseases can come back, then there’s no reason why yellow fever couldn’t as well.”
Historically, yellow fever outbreaks are most likely to occur in the South, along ports and major rivers. However, the spread of these diseases is limited in the U.S. due to factors like indoor living with air conditioning and the absence of native nonhuman primate populations.
For those traveling to areas with yellow fever, it’s recommended to get vaccinated. Additionally, taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites is essential. Using mosquito repellents, wearing appropriate clothing, sleeping under mosquito nets, and staying in air-conditioned spaces can all help reduce the risk.
Familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of yellow fever is also important. Initial symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, patients may enter a more severe phase characterized by high fever, jaundice, bleeding, abdominal pain, shock, and organ dysfunction.
If symptoms occur, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Early detection and supportive care can significantly improve outcomes. It’s also advisable to inform healthcare providers about recent travel history.
Overall, increasing public health awareness, taking preventive measures against mosquito bites, and getting vaccinated when traveling to high-risk areas are vital in combatting yellow fever and other vaccine-preventable viruses.
