Yellow Fever

Medical management of yellow fever infection is directed toward relief of symptomatology. No active antiviral treatment currently exists. Fevers and pain should be relieved with acetaminophen; neither aspirin nor ibuprofen should be used, because either one could exacerbate the bleeding tendency already present. Dehydration, due to fluid loss both from fever and bleeding, must be carefully avoided. The risk of bleeding into the stomach can be decreased through the administration of antacids and other medications. Hemorrhages may require blood transfusions, and kidney failure may require dialysis, a process that allows the work of the kidneys in clearing the blood of potentially toxic substances to be taken over by a machine that is outside of the body.