The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.

Patient & Family Education Materials

Start over with a New Search

What's Yellow Fever?

Yellow Fever

Say: YEL-oh FEE-vur

Yellow fever is caused by a virus carried by mosquitoes. It's most likely to happen in tropical parts of Africa and South America. Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito don't get sick. People who do might have a fever or headache, throw up, and get jaundice, which turns the skin yellow and gives the fever its name.

Most people with yellow fever get better with no problems. There is a vaccine to prevent yellow fever if you travel to places where the disease is common.

Back To Top

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com