Yellow fever: Scientists warn of looming global pandemic risk
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 urbanisation and the intensification of travel increase 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 historically yellow fever was 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 travelled 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 emphasise the need for better distribution of vaccines and more effective mosquito population control to prevent a potential epidemic. "We need to act now," the authors of the study published in "npj Viruses" urge.
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. High mortality and the rapid spread of the virus could cause a serious health crisis worldwide.
In the past, thanks to initiatives like the Yellow Fever Initiative, over 105 million people in West Africa were vaccinated, significantly reducing the occurrence of the disease.
Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic 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.
