Yellow fever: A disease that has yet to be conquered

Alan D.T. Barrett, Stephen Higgs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

291 Scopus citations

Abstract

Yellow fever virus (YFV) is the prototype member of the genus Flavivirus, a group of viruses that are transmitted between vertebrates by arthropod vectors. The virus is found in tropical regions of Africa and South America and is transmitted to primates by mosquitoes: Aedes spp. in Africa and Haemagogus and Sabethes spp. in South America. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, yellow fever (YF) is considered a reemerging disease owing to its increased incidence in the past 25 years. Molecular epidemiologic data suggest there are seven genotypes of YFV that are geographically separated, and outbreaks of disease are more associated with particular genotypes. In addition, the risk of urban YF, owing to transmission of the virus by Aedes aegypti, is increasing in Africa, as is the potential of urban YF returning to South America. Both present serious potential public health problems to large population centers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAnnual Review of Entomology
Editors Berenbaum, Carde, Robinson
Pages209-229
Number of pages21
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007

Publication series

NameAnnual Review of Entomology
Volume52
ISSN (Print)0066-4170

Keywords

  • Aedes aegypti
  • Reemerging disease
  • Yellow fever virus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Insect Science

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