Yellow Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Yellow Fever?
An infectious disease specialist, a doctor who treats illnesses caused by germs, often leads care for yellow fever. People with severe symptoms should be hospitalized for close observation and supportive care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. It is a very rare cause of illness in travelers from the United States.
Illness ranges from a fever with aches and pains to severe liver disease with bleeding and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Most people who are infected have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and they recover completely.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start 3 to 6 days after the mosquito bite. Early symptoms come on suddenly and can include:
- Fever and chills.
- Severe headache, back pain, and general body aches.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Feeling tired and weak.
Most people who get symptoms improve within one week. For some, weakness and tiredness can last several months.
A few people get a more severe form. For 1 out of 7 people who have the early symptoms, there is a short break when they feel better. This may last only a few hours or a day. Then more serious symptoms follow. These can include:
- High fever.
- Yellow skin or eyes, called jaundice.
- Bleeding.
- Shock, which means the body is not getting enough blood flow.
- Organ failure.
- Less urine than usual, seizures, or coma, which is a deep unconscious state.
Causes and who gets it
A virus causes yellow fever. You can get it if an infected mosquito bites you. The virus can also pass from a mother to her baby during birth. It likely spreads through blood transfusions and organ transplants too.
The disease is common in South America and in sub-Saharan Africa. Anyone can get yellow fever, but older people have a higher risk of severe infection. Once you have been infected, you are likely protected against future infections.
How doctors diagnose it
Tell your provider when and where you traveled. Your provider will do a physical exam and order blood tests. The tests can look for the yellow fever virus or for similar viruses, such as dengue. Blood tests may also show liver and kidney damage, and they can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
The CDC says no medicines are available to treat yellow fever, and antibiotics do not treat viruses. Care focuses on easing symptoms. Rest, drink fluids, and use over-the-counter pain relievers to bring down fever and ease aching.
People with severe symptoms should be hospitalized for close watching and supportive care. Supportive care may include blood products for severe bleeding, dialysis for kidney failure, and fluids through a vein.
When to see a doctor
Tell your provider right away if you or your child has fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or jaundice, especially after travel to an area where yellow fever is common.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if someone with these symptoms vomits blood, has bleeding that will not stop, faints, or is confused or very hard to wake up.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Tell your provider when and where you traveled, because the provider will do a physical exam and order blood tests. Before a trip, ask your provider at least 10 to 14 days ahead if you should be vaccinated against yellow fever.
Common questions
Is yellow fever deadly?
It can be. Among people who develop severe disease, 30 to 60 percent die. Most infected people have no symptoms or mild symptoms and recover completely.
How does yellow fever spread?
Yellow fever spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The virus can also pass from mother to baby during birth. It likely spreads through blood transfusions and organ transplants.
Is there a medicine for yellow fever?
No. The CDC says no medicines are available to treat yellow fever. Doctors give supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and pain relievers, and people with severe illness are hospitalized.
Can yellow fever be prevented?
Yes. A vaccine is available for at-risk travelers, and MedlinePlus says it is effective. Ask your provider at least 10 to 14 days before traveling if you should be vaccinated. You can also sleep in screened housing, use mosquito repellent, and wear clothing that fully covers your body.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Symptoms of Yellow Fever
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About Yellow Fever Virus
- MedlinePlus - Yellow fever
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
