Summary

Caused by a virus that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, yellow fever gets its name for the jaundice it causes its victims. This hemorrhagic illness has plagued humans throughout history, and before the development of a yellow fever vaccine, the mortality rate from this disease was high. Tropical nations now prevent epidemic yellow fever levels through vaccination, and travelers to these areas are advised to take precautions. Yellow Fever explores both the historical and epidemiological aspects of this disease. Colorful photographs, maps, and illustrations provide important explanations of various aspects of yellow fever, and information on vaccination, treatment, prevention, and up-to-date statistics on worldwide incidences are provided.

Chapters include:

• The American Plague
• The Impact of Disease on History
• Viral Diseases
• Yellow Fever Signs and Symptoms
• Epidemiology
• Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
• Future Prospects of Controlling Yellow Fever.

Specifications

Full-color photographs and illustrations. Maps. Sidebars. Further reading. References. Glossary. Endnotes. Web sites. Index.

About the Author(s)

Brian R. Shmaefsky, Ph.D., is a professor of biology at Lone Star College in Kingwood, Texas. He did his undergraduate studies in biology at Brooklyn College in New York and completed his master's and doctoral studies at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Shmaefsky also completed graduate work in environmental physiology at University of Illinois and Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. His research emphasis is currently in environmental toxicology issues and sustainable development. Shmaefsky has published books on topics such as biotechnology, human anatomy and physiology, and infectious diseases. He is active in environmental policy groups and has ongoing projects in Mexico and the Philippines. Shmaefsky lives in Kingwood, Texas.

Foreword by David Heymann, World Health Organization