microbio 2125 unit 6 part 19 - Hemorrhagic Fevers – Yellow Fever

Etiological Agent:

Yellow Fever Virus (a Flavivirus) (arbovirus)

Distinguishing characteristics of etiological agent:

Non-segmented ssRNA virus with loose envelope; arbovirus (arthropod-borne)

Virulence Factor(s):

Ability to cause hemorrhaging and multi-organ damage

Predisposing Factors:

Transmission:

• Urban cycle: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes → humans

• Sylvan cycle: forest monkeys → mosquitoes → humans

Syndrome (signs + symptoms):

• Early: acute fever, headache, muscle pain

• Late: oral hemorrhage, nosebleed, vomiting, jaundice, liver and kidney damage

• High mortality rate in severe cases

Affected body region/system:

Liver, kidneys, circulatory system

Treatment:

Supportive care only

Prevention:

Vaccination for travelers to affected areas; mosquito control has eliminated disease in the U.S.

Other notes:

Named for jaundice that can result from liver damage