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Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever - Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Yellow Fever
In the initial stages, Yellow Fever is often mistaken for the flu, since their symptoms are quite similar. However, most patients consult a doctor when they continue to experience the symptoms for several days. Some of the other conditions that Yellow Fever can be mistaken for include
dengue fever, typhoid, malaria or other types of viral hemorrhagic fevers. A proper diagnosis of Yellow Fever normally includes:
- A study of the existing symptoms
- Reviewing recent travel activities
- Undergoing a blood test
Patients who suspect that they may be suffering from Yellow fever are usually advised to make a note of their symptoms and their medical history before they visit a doctor. Gathering information on any exposure to the possible sources of infection in the recent past may also be a good idea. Most doctors do not confirm the presence of the infection, without a blood test. There are two blood tests for yellow fever that a doctor may recommend, which include:
- Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA)
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
These tests detect antibodies and antigens that are specific to the virus. However, it could take a couple of days before the test results are available. In the meantime, patients may be advised to take the necessary steps that can reduce the risk of passing on a potentially contagious illness to others. Once the diagnosis of Yellow Fever is confirmed, doctors start the treatment without any delay.
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