Nineteen cases of yellow fever have been reported in and around the city of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, since May of this year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A mosquito-borne viral disease, yellow fever is fatal in 15 percent to more than 50 percent of cases. Early symptoms may include fever and chills, severe headache, back pain, general muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, and weakness. Symptoms may resolve briefly then return, along with hemorrhagic symptoms such as black vomit, nose or gum bleeding, and bruising. Jaundice and proteinuria are common in severe cases. Hypotension, shock, metabolic acidosis, acute tubular necrosis, myocardial dysfunction, and cardiac arrhythmia may develop in late-stage disease, along with confusion, seizures, and coma. In those who recover, weakness and fatigue may persist for several months.

In addition to clinical symptoms and travel history, diagnosis includes blood tests for the virus, DNA, or, in later stages, antibodies. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Vaccination, protective clothing, and insect repellant can prevent it.

More information on the outbreak in Côte d’Ivoire is available on CDC’s Travelers’ Health webpage.

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