How did yellow fever get its name?

Yellow fever in Darfur, Sedan | Image credit: Albert González Farran 

The name "yellow fever" is thought to have originated from the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) that can occur in people with advanced stages of the disease. This yellowing is caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells, in the bloodstream.

Another possible reason for the name is the association of the disease with yellow flags which were used in the past to signal quarantine of ships arriving from areas where yellow fever was common.

The disease is also known as the "yellow plague" because of the yellowing of the skin and eyes, and also the significant mortality rate that it can cause.

It's important to note that the disease is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes and Haemogogus mosquitoes. The virus is called yellow fever virus, and it was first identified in the early 18th century by Dr. Charles P. Pelletier, a French physician working in West Africa. And since then it continues to affect people primarily in tropical regions of Africa and South America.

Yellow fever can cause serious illness and even death, and there is currently no specific treatment for the disease beyond supportive care. A safe and effective yellow fever vaccine is available which is recommended for travelers to areas where the disease is common. The yellow fever vaccine is also required for many parts of Africa.

Yellow fever and malaria have similar symptoms

Malaria and yellow fever are two different diseases caused by different pathogens. However, some of the symptoms of the two diseases can be similar.

Symptoms of yellow fever typically appear within 3 to 6 days after infection and can include:

• fever
• headache
• muscle pain
• backache
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• fatigue
• weakness
• dizziness
• abdominal pain

In severe cases, yellow fever can progress to a more toxic phase, characterized by:

• jaundice
• kidney failure
• bleeding from the nose, mouth, eyes or stomach
• liver damage
• multi-organ failure

Symptoms of malaria typically appear within 7 to 30 days after infection and can include:

• fever
• chills
• sweating
• headache
• muscle pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• weakness

The symptoms of both diseases may resemble other tropical febrile illnesses, and it is important for people who have recently traveled to areas where malaria or yellow fever is common, to see a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of either illness.

It's important to note that both yellow fever and malaria can be serious and even fatal if left untreated. It is crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible if you suspect you may have been infected. In order to make a proper diagnosis, blood tests are usually needed.

Proper prevention measures such as vaccinations, mosquito prevention methods and chemoprophylaxis are important to reduce the risk of contracting these diseases while traveling.