Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever is a viral infection that spreads through mosquitoes. A person develops symptoms within about 5 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. In the initial stage, symptoms can range from headache, joint pain, nausea and jaundice. After a brief period of remission, these symptoms might recur. The intoxication or toxic stage is the dangerous stage where there is multiple-organ failure. There can be bleeding disorder, hemorrhage, delirium and arrhythmia. Yellow fever can be prevented with a vaccination. Travelers going to locations where they are likely to be infected by mosquitoes must take precautions.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral fever that is transmitted to humans when bitten by an infected mosquito. Chikungunya is the Swahili word for 'that which bends up'. Persons suffering this viral condition develop a stoop due to the excruciating joint pains and body aches. This strain of virus was first isolated and identified in the 1950s in Tanzania. Chikungunya virus is noticed in tropical countries. Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito) is the primary vector of chikungunya virus to humans. Typically these mosquitoes are infected due to feeding on infected humans, monkeys or other animals. It however does not get transmitted among people. Daytime mosquitoes are the main carriers.

Typical symptoms of Chickungunya include fever, headache, nausea, rash, fatigue and joint pains. The infection can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Chikungunya virus is classified as an arthritis virus since patients complain of incapacitating joint pains or arthritis. There is no vaccine or treatment for Chikungunya fever. The patient is advised plenty of rest and fluids. Infected persons are often prescribed ibuprofen or Paracetamol for relief. In most cases, Chikungunya is self-limiting and is rarely fatal. In some cases, persons suffering from a bout of Chikungunya are likely to experience body pain and joint pain for weeks or even months after the viral attack.