Introduction
Mosquitos are more than just a pesky, itchy nuisance, as they have contributed to millions of deaths around the world. The virus known as Yellow Fever is transmitted through mosquito bites. However, this was unknown for a long period of time, similar to mass serial killers. Although the catastrophe known as Yellow Fever was horrific and traumatic for humans during that time, it also propelled us forward in our understanding of medicine and disease in three key areas: vaccines, origin, and disease transmission.
Background Information
The first record of the Yellow Fever outbreak in world history dates back to 1648 in Yucatan (Staples, 2008). Although it originated in Africa, it managed to hit the western hemisphere during the slave trade eras. In 1741, the disease was renamed as “Yellow Fever”. (Yellow Fever Timeline, 2010). This name was chosen for the disease due to the yellow colouration of the eyes and skin it would leave in it’s victims after liver damage has occured. When a person first contracts the virus, for the first few days up to a week, they will not feel the symptoms of the virus, as it is in an incubation period. After, it enters the acute stage, which is followed by the symptoms of headaches, muscle aches, fevers, light sensitivity, loss of appetite, vomiting, and dizziness. (Mayo Clinic, 2020) The symptoms may disappear after a few days of the acute phase, it can sometimes develop into the toxic phase, which includes the yellowing of skin, abnormal bleeding, decrease of urine production, kidney and liver failure, slow heart rate, brain dysfunction, seizures, and possibly even death. The disease came in waves, and ended the lives of many. (Mayo Clinic, 2020)
Origin and Early History
Hemagglutination-inhibition and complement fixation tests, which look for traces of antibodies that are related to the yellow fever, were made available in1960 (Staples, 2008). The tests revealed a link to the Yellow Fever and group B arboviruses, which have since been renamed Flaviviruses. In the 1970’s the antibody detection had improved significantly, to the point that enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction were developed. This helped simplify the antibody and detection even more than before.
Transmission, protection and treatment
Transmission of this disease is via mosquito bites. If you aren’t vaccinated against Yellow Fever, ways to protect yourself would include: avoiding outdoor areas when mosquitoes are most active, wearing long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin from contact, and using mosquito repellant (Centers for Disease Control and Protection, 2019). If you are bitten by a mosquito, avoid scratching the area and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching. Before it was known that mosquitoes were responsible for this tragedy, people assumed it was similar to modern-day COVID-19. it was thought to be transmitted via close-contact and germs from other people who contracted the virus, or more specifically, pollution. However, this was proven false (Yellow Fever Decimates Philadelphia, 2010).
Vaccine
Currently there is a vaccine for Yellow Fever; It is safest to be taken in those older than 9 months, but younger than 60 years (Mayo Clinic, 2020). A single dose of this vaccine can provide immunity for up to 10 years. Possible side effects of this vaccine include headaches, fevers, muscle aches, fatigue, and in more serious cases, brain inflammation and death. The Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended when traveling; specifically countries in South America and Africa. Some countries require proof of immunization in order to enter, regardless of the traveler's origin, to help prevent the spread and contraction of the Yellow Fever.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes are not only a pest, but also associated with a world-wide plague that caused thousands upon thousands of deaths worldwide. However, some good has come about because of yellow fever. People have discovered new antibodies, vaccines, and more about these pesky critters in general. Thanks to the research and history of the Yellow Fever, we now have a lifelong vaccine and immunities against it, protecting humans on Earth from it, present and future. Knowledge gained upon the Yellow Fever tragedy might even help mankind with the plague of 2020.
References
Erin Staples, J. (2008). History of Yellow Fever. Retrieved from
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/182442#:~:text=Yellow%20fever%20virus%20originated%20in,American%20coastal%20cities%2C%20and%20Europe.
Yellow Fever timeline. (2010). Retrieved from
https://www.historyofvaccines.org/timeline#EVT_100403
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Retrieved from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yellow-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20353045
Centers for Disease Control and Protection. (2019). Retrieved from
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/yellow-fever#:~:text=Yellow%20fever%20is%20a%20disease,organ%20failure%2C%20and%20sometimes%20death.
Yellow Fever Decimates Philadelphia. (2010). Retrieved from
https://www.historyofvaccines.org/timeline#EVT_100404
Yellow fever vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide. (2016). Retrieved from
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-25-yellow-fever-vaccine.html
