Yellow Fever: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as yellow jack.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can range from a mild flu-like illness to severe disease with jaundice and bleeding. Nigeria has recorded periodic outbreaks, and a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine gives lifelong protection. There is no specific cure, so prevention is everything.
Symptoms
Sudden fever and chills
Severe headache
Muscle pain, especially the back
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Yellow eyes or skin (severe phase)
Bleeding or dark urine (severe phase)
Causes & risk factors
Bite from an infected Aedes mosquito
Not being vaccinated against yellow fever
Living in or travelling to an outbreak area
Treatment & self-care
Treatment is supportive — rest, fluids and fever control under medical supervision, with hospital care for severe cases. The yellow fever vaccine, available through routine immunisation and mass campaigns, is the most reliable protection. Mosquito nets and covering up also reduce risk.
See a doctor urgently if
Fever with yellowing of the eyes or skin
Bleeding from any site or vomiting blood
Fever that improves then returns worse after a day or two
Confusion or very little urine
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Yellow Fever?
Early signs often include sudden fever and chills, severe headache, muscle pain, especially the back. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Yellow Fever be treated?
Treatment is supportive — rest, fluids and fever control under medical supervision, with hospital care for severe cases. The yellow fever vaccine, available through routine immunisation and mass campaigns, is the most reliable protection. Mosquito nets and covering up also reduce risk.
When should I see a doctor about Yellow Fever?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: fever with yellowing of the eyes or skin; bleeding from any site or vomiting blood; fever that improves then returns worse after a day or two; confusion or very little urine.