COVID-19 and the History of Pandemics: Yellow Fever

Yellow fever has left an indelible mark on history. The World Health Organization estimates that 30,000-60,000 people die of yellow fever every year. Yellow fever is a viral, hemorrhagic disease transmitted by the female Aedes mosquito and is endemic to the tropical regions of Africa and the Americas. While 80% of people infected will show no symptoms, while the other 20% exhibit symptoms including jaundice, bleeding, kidney disorders, and coma. Vector control—eliminating sources that support mosquito reproduction—and vaccination are key in preventing this disease, as there is no cure. This course delves into the virus’s origins, its passage to and effects over time in the Western Hemisphere, and what we can learn from efforts to confront and contain the disease.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the nature and historical significance of yellow fever.
• Examine societal and cultural responses to yellow fever outbreaks.
• Learn how the discovery of its cause revolutionized public health efforts.

Prior Learning

This noncredit course is beginner-friendly, with no prior expertise required. However, to ensure success, students should:

• Be comfortable reading and understanding English, as all materials are provided in English.
• Have basic computer skills, including navigating the internet, downloading/uploading files, installing software, and using applications like Microsoft Word.

These foundational skills will help you engage fully with our primarily online courses.

About the Series

This is the fourth course of the COVID-19 and the History of Pandemics series. This series offers a deep dive into six pandemics that profoundly altered human history. This interdisciplinary exploration connects the dots between scientific advances, cultural shifts, and governmental policies, revealing how societies have historically confronted widespread disease. By enrolling in the entire series, you’ll gain a nuanced perspective on pandemics as recurring phenomena, equipping you with a broader understanding of how past events inform present and future challenges. Together, these courses reveal the resilience, ingenuity, and cautionary tales that pandemics bring to light.