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Yellow fever - Prevention
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Specific prophylaxis of yellow fever
Prevention of yellow fever consists of immunization of the population. For this purpose, two live vaccines are used, in particular, a vaccine based on the 17D strain, obtained by long-term passage of the virus in cell culture. A vaccine created on the basis of the Dakar strain adapted by serial passages on mice has become less widespread. This strain has residual virulence, so when performing vaccination, human immune serum is first administered.
The vaccine based on strain 17D is very effective. Revaccination should be carried out once every 10 years.
To prevent the spread of yellow fever, according to the existing International Health Regulations, it is necessary to take into account all cases of the disease.
Persons traveling to an area where the disease is endemic must be vaccinated, as must persons leaving such an area.
To prevent the spread of mosquitoes, aircraft and ships visiting areas endemic for yellow fever or areas where A. aegypti is distributed are subject to mandatory disinsection. Identification of the first cases of the disease is of great importance. According to WHO recommendations, it should be assumed when cases of acute fever with the development of jaundice within 2 weeks after the onset of the disease, accompanied by bleeding or death within 3 weeks are identified.
Non-specific prophylaxis of yellow fever
In order to completely eliminate outbreaks of yellow fever, a scientifically based and persistent fight against the carriers of the pathogen - mosquitoes - is necessary. As practical experience in endemic foci has shown, in most cases it is sufficient to significantly reduce the population of carriers - there is a so-called critical density, at which the transmission cycle of pathogens is completely interrupted. Complete elimination of carriers in certain areas is not carried out not only because of economic inexpediency and administrative problems, but also because of the danger of irreversible changes in existing biocenotic relationships.
However, the example of the complete eradication of A. aegypti in urban areas in several countries of Central and South America, and especially in the USA, is quite convincing. It is more difficult to combat mosquitoes in rural areas and forested areas, particularly outside human habitation or in the forest.
To achieve a rapid effect of destroying adult insects, chemical insecticides are used. The most widely used are organophosphorus compounds, in particular malathion. Mosquitoes can be destroyed no less successfully using various preparations of the pyrethroid group. Their effectiveness is approximately two orders of magnitude higher than that of organophosphorus insecticides.
In recent years, preparations based on cultures of Bacillus thuringiensis have become widespread and are used to destroy mosquitoes at the larval stage of development.
There are special methods of protecting a person from mosquito bites - nets covering exposed areas of the body (especially the head and neck) or the bed. Nets, clothing and individual areas of the body should be treated with repellents.
To prevent the spread of the pathogen, it is necessary to take measures to prevent contact between a sick person and carriers.