What were the effects of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793?
During the hot, humid summer of 1793, thousands of Philadelphians got horribly sick, suffering from fevers and chills, jaundiced skin, stomach pains and vomit tinged black with blood.
What was the cause of the yellow fever epidemic described in?
The virus is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America. Large epidemics of yellow fever occur when infected people introduce the virus into heavily populated areas with high mosquito density and where most people have little or no immunity, due to lack of vaccination.
What body systems are affected by yellow fever?
High fever returns and several body systems are affected, usually the liver and the kidneys. In this phase people are likely to develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, hence the name ‘yellow fever’), dark urine and abdominal pain with vomiting. Bleeding can occur from the mouth, nose, eyes or stomach.
How did the US get rid of yellow fever?
Finally, on November 11 1906, the last victim of yellow fever on the Panama Canal died. The yellow fever epidemic was over. After World War II, the world had DDT in its arsenal of mosquito control measures, and mosquito eradication became the primary method of controlling yellow fever.
When was the last case of yellow fever in the United States?
The last major outbreak in the US occurred in 1905 in New Orleans. Major outbreaks also occurred in Europe in the 19th century in Atlantic ports following the arrival of sailing vessels from the Caribbean, most often from Havana.
Is the US a yellow fever country?
What Is Yellow Fever? According to the CDC, yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease present in Africa and South America. The infection can range from mild to severe. Vaccination is the best protection against this virus.
What part of the body does yellow fever attack?
Yellow Fever is a viral infection that causes damage to the liver, kidney, heart and gastrointestinal tract. Major symptoms may include sudden onset of fever, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and hemorrhage.
What country has the most yellow fever cases?
The vast majority of cases and deaths take place in sub-Saharan Africa, where yellow fever is a major public health problem occurring in epidemic patterns.
Why is yellow fever still around today?
There has been a resurgence of YF in the last decade in large African and South American urban populations. This is due to an increase in the distribution and density of Aedes aegyptii as a result of deforestation, global warming, urbanization, human travel, and poor sanitation.