Yellow fever warning: Experts fear pandemic threat looms
Scientists are raising the alarm that yellow fever, a dangerous disease transmitted by mosquitoes, could become the cause of a global pandemic. The rise in urbanization and the increase in travel elevate the risk of the virus spreading.
Yellow fever, caused by the YFV virus, initially presents with fever, chills, and muscle aches. In severe cases, however, it can even lead to internal bleeding and organ failure.
Increasing threat in the Asia-Pacific region
Although yellow fever has historically been endemic in Africa and Central and South America, there is currently concern that it could reach the Asia-Pacific region. As early as 1923, epidemiologist H.R. Carter warned of such a scenario.
Currently, due to global travel, this risk is even greater. In 2019, over 4 billion people traveled between regions where the virus is common and places where mosquitoes can spread it.
The yellow fever vaccine, which provides lifetime immunity, is available, but supplies are limited.
Scientists emphasize the need for better distribution of vaccines and more effective mosquito population control to prevent a potential epidemic. "We need to act now," urge the authors of a study published in "npj Viruses."
A yellow fever pandemic could have tragic consequences
Researchers warn that a yellow fever pandemic could be significantly more devastating than the COVID-19 pandemic. The high mortality and rapid spread of the virus could cause a serious health crisis worldwide.
In the past, initiatives like the Yellow Fever Initiative have vaccinated over 105 million people in West Africa, significantly reducing the occurrence of the disease.
Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease, named after jaundice, one of its symptoms. Symptoms include fever, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. A small number of patients develop severe symptoms, and half of them die within a week.
