Yellow Fever is a viral infection that is spread to people via the bite of an infected mosquito.  The virus is carried by mosquitos is subtropical and tropical areas of Africa and South America.  It is an extremely rare illness in the United State.  If U.S. citizens are affected, it is because they were bitten by infected mosquitos while traveling in affected areas.  Yellow Fever is a serious illness and it can be mild or potentially life-threatening.  If it is mild, the infected person may only experience flu-like symptoms, but severe cases can lead to liver disease and liver bleeding.  

The symptoms of Yellow Fever develop pretty quickly (about three to six days) after the virus enters the bloodstream.  The initial symptoms of the infection are similar to those of the influenza virus.  If you only experience acute symptoms, they can include: 

• Headaches
• Dehydration 
• Fever
• Chills
• Flushing
• Muscle aches
• Joint aches

Many people recover after the acute phase is over, but others can enter the toxic phase of the condition.  This phase only accounts for about 15 percent of all cases, but the symptoms are more serious and can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Problems with heart rhythm
• Seizures
• Decreased urination
• Vomiting (occasionally with blood)
• Bleeding from the nose, eyes, and mouth

Yellow Fever is caused by a virus that is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which inhabits tropical South American and sub-Saharan African countries.  These mosquitos live near human habitations and they bread in water.  Both humans and monkeys are commonly infected by the yellow fever virus.  A mosquito bites a human and the virus enters the mosquitos bloodstream, circulates, and then settles in the salivary glands.  This mosquito is now infected and can transmit the virus to a human or monkey the next time it bites.  That is the only cause of Yellow Fever, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 200,000 people become infected each year, with most cases occurring in Africa.  

• Physicians in Angostura, Venezuela have adopted an alternative treatment using the vervain or verbena plant, which grows abundantly in that area.  The juices from the leaves are administered orally three times daily in small doses, and then an enema with the same small dose of verbena juices is administered every two hours.  This is a very effective treatment for Yellow Fever or black vomit, even in threatening stages.
• People with Yellow Fever can easily experience weakened immune systems and dehydration, which is typically in response to vomiting or other flu-like symptoms.  Since garlic contains potent antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to strengthen the immune system, assisting the body with defending other bacterial or viral infections.  Crush six to ten garlic cloves, add raw honey, and consume this every morning until symptoms subside.  You can also consume a few drops of garlic extract daily. 
• Fresh sugar cane juice is naturally rich in glucose, which is essential for healthy muscle function.  Sugar cane juice also happens to be an excellent remedy for dehydration, which is a common symptoms of Yellow Fever.  The essential vitamins and minerals in sugar cane help to hydrate the body, so drink a couple ounces three times daily.  This may also aid in fever reduction.
• Stay hydrated because it is very easy for Yellow Fever patients to become dehydrated.  Always replenish the body with fluids, especially after vomiting or diarrhea.  It is ideal to drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water per day when you are sick.  You can always drink herbal teas or freshly made juices to supply the body with more nutrients while hydrating in the process.
• Lemon and salt make a powerful cleansing duo, an people with Yellow Fever should help to keep the body hydrated while simultaneously flushing out unwanted toxins from the body.  To make a lemon salt solution, add four or five teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to 12-16 ounces of water. Add a pinch of salt to the glass and mix well until it is dissolved.  Consume this mixture three times a day to help reduce symptoms. 
• Be sure to avoid certain foods if you contract Yellow Fever because they can worsen symptoms or make it more difficult for the body to overcome the virus.  It is ideal to avoid fats like ghee, butter, or oils, spicy foods, refined sugars, fried foods, and heavy foods like poultry, meat, or fish.  Instead, focus on high fiber foods (vegetables), foods with digestive enzymes (certain fruits), and plenty of water. 

• Garlic
• Lemons
• Sugarcane Juice (made fresh)
• Papaya
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Steel Cut Oats
• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, & raspberries)
• Almonds
• Carrots
• Beets
• Ginger
• Watermelon
• Leafy Greens (spinach & collard greens)