The term "vomito negro" is used to describe one of the symptoms that can arise from an infection of dengue fever. The word may seem intimidating due to the use of Spanish, but it is relatively straightforward to spell once you understand the pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /voˈmito ˈneɣɾo/. The "v" is pronounced like the English "v," and the accent marks indicate where the emphasis falls. The "g" in "negro" is pronounced like the "h" in "hat."
"Vomito negro," also known as "black vomit," is a medical condition characterized by the presence of dark, coffee-ground-like vomit. This term is commonly used in reference to a severe symptom of yellow fever, a tropical viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
The black vomit occurs typically during the late stages of yellow fever when the disease progresses to a more critical condition called the "toxic phase." During this phase, the virus affects the liver cells, leading to liver dysfunction and internal bleeding. The black vomit is a result of this internal hemorrhaging, as the blood mixes with the stomach acid and gastric juices, causing the characteristic dark appearance.
The presence of vomito negro in a yellow fever patient serves as a critical warning sign indicating a life-threatening situation requiring immediate medical attention. The condition indicates an advanced stage of the disease and is frequently accompanied by other severe symptoms like high fever, intense abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention are crucial to increase the chances of survival for individuals experiencing vomito negro. Treatment for yellow fever may involve supportive care, such as monitoring vital signs, providing fluids, and managing complications, in addition to addressing specific symptoms. Vaccination against yellow fever is available and is a fundamental preventive measure to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
The term "vomito negro" comes from Spanish, specifically from the words "vomito" meaning "vomit" and "negro" meaning "black". It was coined to describe a severe symptom of yellow fever that was prevalent in certain regions of Central and South America during the 19th century. The phrase was derived from the characteristic black vomit that is a classic symptom of severe yellow fever infection, caused by internal bleeding in the digestive tract. The term became widely used during outbreaks of the disease in order to describe this specific symptom as a means of identification and medical diagnosis.