The first stages of yellow fever are similar to the common flu: headache, fever and muscle aches. This lasts for two to three days and then the victim feels better, even to the point of thinking that their flu has passed.

The second "toxic" phase begins one or two days later, as the virus attacks the internal organs such as the kidneys and liver. Victims become jaundiced and yellowed, hence the name yellow fever. Excessive internal bleeding can cause the victim to vomit blood, which was called the "black vomit."

Death occurs from internal hemorrhaging, usually five to ten days into the second phase.

Early phase of Yellow Fever

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