Yellow fever

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a tropical disease caused by the yellow fever virus. The virus is transmitted by the bite of tropical mosquitoes. An outbreak of this disease is always caused by the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti). Yellow fever only occurs in certain tropical regions in Africa and South America. There is no risk of an outbreak of yellow fever in Finland, because the yellow fever mosquito does not occur here.

The graphic representation on this map is based on data from 2017.

What are the symptoms of yellow fever?

The infection usually does not cause any symptoms, about 1 in 5 people infected become ill. The symptoms can vary considerably, from mild flu to high fever with bleeding symptoms. On average, around 1 in 10 patients of yellow fever die. There is no medicine for yellow fever. Treatment consist of treating the symptoms.

Protection against yellow fever

The yellow fever virus is transmitted by the bite of tropical mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites a human or an animal carrying the virus, the mosquito can become infected. The mosquito can then infect other people or animals with subsequent bites. Prevent a bite with Anti-Insect Natural or DEET.

Yellow fever only occurs in countries where the yellow fever mosquito occurs. This mosquito is native to Africa, South America, Asia and in some parts of Australia and Europe. In Europe, this mosquito only occurs in Madeira and in a region of Northeast Turkey.

Another (sub)tropical mosquito that occurs in parts of Southern Europe is the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). The Asian tiger mosquito cannot cause an outbreak of yellow fever.

Vaccination

There is a vaccine against yellow fever. This vaccine is given to travellers who visit countries where yellow fever occurs. In some countries, it is mandatory to be vaccinated against yellow fever. Proof of vaccination will be required to enter the country.

Does yellow fever occur in Finland?

The disease only occurs in certain tropical regions in Africa and South America. Yellow fever does not occur in Finland. Most travellers from Finland who travel to countries where yellow fever occurs, are vaccinated and protected against the disease.