Yellow fever is a serious, potentially fatal viral disease that can cause severe illness and death. It is named for the distinctive jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, seen in severe cases and is classified as a viral haemorrhagic fever.
The yellow fever virus: causes and transmission
Yellow fever is caused by the yellow fever virus, a mosquito-borne virus transmitted to humans exclusively through the bite of certain infected mosquitoes, primarily the day-biting Aedes and Haemagogus species. These mosquitoes breed in a range of domestic, peri-urban, and forest environments.
The disease is endemic in parts of Africa and Latin America, where it poses an ongoing risk of outbreaks and international spread, according to the World Health Organization.
Recognizing yellow fever symptoms
The incubation period for yellow fever is usually three to six days. The illness often occurs in two phases.
Initial symptoms
The first phase typically resembles a severe flu-like illness. People may experience:
Fever and chills
Intense headache
Muscle aches and pains
Fatigue and weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Most people recover fully from these mild symptoms within a few days.
Severe yellow fever
Around 15% of infected people progress to a more severe, toxic phase. This life-threatening stage is characterised by:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Abdominal pain and persistent vomiting
Bleeding from the mouth, nose, or gastrointestinal tract
Internal haemorrhage
Shock and multi-organ failure
Unfortunately, about 50% of people who enter this severe phase die within 7 to 10 days, as reported by NSW Health.
Diagnosis and treatment
Early diagnosis of yellow fever is challenging because the initial symptoms are non-specific and can mimic other infections such as malaria or dengue. Laboratory confirmation is required. In the early phase, RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) can detect viral RNA. In later stages, antibody detection tests such as ELISA or PRNT (Plaque Reduction Neutralisation Test) are used.
There is currently no specific antiviral cure for yellow fever. Treatment is based on comprehensive supportive care in hospital, including:
Careful monitoring
Intravenous or oral fluids to prevent dehydration
Management of liver and kidney failure
Treatment of complications such as infections and shock
Fever and pain control
Patients must avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, as these medicines can significantly increase the risk of internal bleeding, according to Healthdirect.
Yellow fever prevention: vaccination and protection
Preventing yellow fever relies on two key strategies: vaccination and mosquito bite prevention. These are central to global initiatives such as the WHO’s Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) strategy.
The yellow fever vaccine
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent yellow fever. A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine is recommended and is mandatory for anyone aged nine months or older travelling to, or living in, certain high-risk countries. Many countries require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry.
The vaccine is given as a single injection. For most healthy adults, this dose provides lifelong immunity. Protective immunity develops in the majority of people within 10 days. Travellers must receive the vaccine at least 10 days before entering a country that requires an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).
Reactions to the yellow fever vaccine
Most people tolerate the yellow fever vaccine well. Side effects are generally mild and short-lived and are a sign that the immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Yellow fever jab symptoms
Common yellow fever jab symptoms are typically mild and occur 3 to 10 days after vaccination. These can include:
Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Mild headache
Muscle aches
Low-grade fever
Severe adverse reactions are extremely rare. When they do occur, they are more likely in people over 60 years of age or those with significant immune system problems, which is why specialist vaccination centres carefully assess suitability before immunisation.
Mosquito bite avoidance
Even after vaccination, bite prevention remains important, especially in areas where yellow fever and other mosquito-borne diseases circulate. Travellers should:
Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin
Wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing and long pants
Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets where appropriate
Stay in accommodation with screened windows or air-conditioning
Reduce mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water where possible
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the yellow fever vaccine
How is yellow fever transmitted?
Yellow fever is transmitted to humans only through the bite of an infected mosquito, mainly Aedes and Haemagogus species. It is not spread directly from person to person through casual contact.
How long does a yellow fever vaccination last?
Under current International Health Regulations, one dose of yellow fever vaccine is considered to provide lifelong protection for most healthy adults. The International Certificate of Vaccination is therefore valid for the lifetime of the vaccinated person, unless a country has specific alternative entry requirements.
Where can I get the yellow fever vaccine?
In Australia, yellow fever vaccination can only be provided at an approved yellow fever vaccination centre. These clinics are authorised to administer the vaccine and issue the official International Certificate of Vaccination. If you are travelling overseas, it is essential to book with an accredited clinic for your yellow fever vaccine in Sydney, as the jab is not routinely available from standard pharmacies or general medical practices.
For travellers based in the Northern Beaches, Dee Why Medical Centre is an accredited yellow fever vaccination provider. To book your travel consultation and vaccination, contact Dee why Medical Center call them directly on (02) 9981 3111.
How much is the yellow fever vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine is not covered by the usual government-funded vaccination programs in Australia and is generally charged as a private fee. The total cost depends on the clinic and may include both the vaccine and a travel medicine consultation. Fees can vary between approved centres, including within the yellow fever vaccine Sydney market, so travellers should contact their chosen clinic directly to confirm the current price before booking.
