Intermediate yellow fever is transmitted to humans through semi-domestic mosquitos. These mosquitos will breed in the wild and also in urban areas and can infect both humans and monkeys with yellow fever. This kind of yellow fever is the most common in some areas of Africa where people reside near jungle areas or in areas that have monkey populations.
The early stage of yellow fever has limited symptoms. Most people will have a fever and might experience flu-like symptoms like vomiting and a headache. After stage 1, most people pass into the remission stage, which is stage 2. More than half of the people who are infected with intermediate yellow fever will recover at this point and cease to experience symptoms. However, some patients pass into stage 3, which is much more serious. The symptoms of stage 3 are:
This virus is caused when infected mosquitos bite people. Since the condition is viral, it cannot be passed to other people unless you are sharing dirty needles with someone who has yellow fever. Areas where monkey populations are present and those who live near jungle regions are more likely to get intermediate yellow fever.
The risk factors related to intermediate yellow fever are:
Diagnosis of intermediate yellow fever is often made after a doctor has collected a full medical history. Your doctor will ask you about any trips that you might have taken to the jungle, or if you live in an area that is known to have mosquitos that transmit this kind of yellow fever, your doctor might order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of yellow fever involves supportive care for the symptoms that patients are experiencing. This is a viral infection and cannot be cured. Those who think that they have yellow fever should not take over-the-counter pain medications, as this can cause organ health problems when yellow fever is present. Additionally, anyone who thinks that they have yellow fever should seek medical care right away since this condition can be quite deadly in stage 3.
For those who are experiencing stage 3 symptoms, admission to the hospital is the best course of action. Intravenous fluids and medications that can help prevent organ failure can be given at the hospital by healthcare professionals.
Prevention of intermediate yellow fever can be difficult for those who live in regions where yellow fever is present. Sleeping under a mosquito net is very helpful, and wearing mosquito repellent is also a good idea. Make sure to attend to areas of standing water near your home as well.
You can be vaccinated for yellow fever, and if you have access to this preventative measure, you might want to take advantage of this benefit. These vaccines will need to be boosted every ten years to maintain your immunity.