yellow fever

yellow fever An acute, systemic viral illness transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitos that may cause a flu-like illness or a more severe illness with high fever, bleeding into the skin, and death of cells (necrosis) in the kidney and liver. The liver damage (hepatitis) causes yellowing of the skin from severe jaundice. Yellow fever occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Diagnosis is made via observation and, if necessary, culturing or examining blood samples. Yellow fever usually passes within a few weeks. Nonaspirin pain relievers, rest, and rehydration with fluids decrease discomfort. Yellow fever disease can be prevented with a vaccination. See also yellow fever vaccination.