Travel Illnesses
Chikungunya is a disease spread through bites from the Aedes species of mosquito. This is the same mosquito that can carry Dengue Fever and Zika Virus. It is found in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including South and Central America, parts of North America, parts of Europe, Africa, South East Asia, and islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Chikungunya are fever and severe joint pain, in fact the word “chikungunya” means “bent over”. Other symptoms can include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling and rash. Symptoms usually begin within 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fortunately, the disease is usually self-limiting, that is it usually gets better on its own within a week or so. However, some people continue to experience joint pain for months afterwards. Babies, older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes may experience more severe symptoms.
Cholera is a disease spread by ingesting water or food contaminated with the cholera bacteria. Cholera is most prevalent in developing countries such as Africa, parts of South Asia and parts of Latin America. Outbreaks are usually confined to more remote areas and therefore do not generally place travellers at risk, unless their plans involve travel to remote areas or an extended duration of stay. Travellers returning “home” to visit friends and relatives can be at higher risk because of this.
Symptoms
Cholera can be asymptomatic or result in a mild gastro-like illness. Severe infection results in frequent watery diarrhoea that is usually milky in colour with associated nausea and vomiting. Symptoms usually appear within 2-3 days following infection. The greatest risk from cholera is rapid dehydration, especially for the very young and elderly.
Ciguatera is a type of food poisoning caused by eating fish contaminated with toxic microorganisms that live on and around coral reefs. Larger carnivorous fish eat smaller reef fish which feed on the microorganisms in and around coral. This effectively concentrates the toxins in the larger fish, especially in the liver, intestines, head and eggs. Ciguatera is most commonly caused by eating fish from tropical and subtropical waters of the Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, including barracuda, grouper, moray eel, amberjack, sea bass, sturgeon, parrot fish and red snapper.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Ciguatera usually develop within a few hours of eating the contaminated fish but can take up to 30 hours to develop in some people. Most commonly, symptoms present as gastro-intestinal food poisoning – nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. But some people also experience neurological symptoms (such as tingling sensation, itching, tooth pain or a feeling of loose teeth, a metallic taste in the mouth and blurred vision) and cardiac symptoms (such as slowed heart rate and low blood pressure). It is reported that as many as 3% of travellers to endemic areas develop Ciguatera poisoning.
Dengue Fever is a disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including the Caribbean, Central and South America, Pacific Islands, Australia, South East Asia and Africa. Dengue is found in both urban and rural areas. Risk is highest following wet seasons due to the increased number of mosquitos, but infection can happen any time of year. Unlike the mosquito responsible for Malaria, the Aedes mosquito is both a day-time and night-time feeder, so precautions should be taken during daylight hours and at night to prevent mosquito bites.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Dengue include fever and any of the following – headache, nausea and vomiting, rash, pain in the eyes, and joint and muscle pain. Symptoms can take up to 2 weeks to develop and usually settle within 1 week, although general fatigue may persist for a few more weeks. In more severe cases symptoms can include intense stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose and gums, and occasionally death.
HEPATITIS A
Hepatitis A is a liver disease usually spread by ingesting contaminated food or water but can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects, like door handles or money, that have been touched by a person infected with Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is a very common illness occurring in many countries around the world (except North America, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Australia) and is most prevalent in developing nations. Vegetables grown in contaminated soil and seafood sourced from contaminated water or stored in contaminated ice (usually from contaminated sewerage) present a high risk of infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Hepatitis A can include fever, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). Some people (particularly children) show no symptoms of infection while others have symptoms for up to 6 months. Older travellers seem to be more susceptible to serious illness and possibly death. Generally, symptoms show at around 2-7 weeks post infection. Most people recover from the illness without any lasting liver damage and with life-long immunity to further Hepatitis A infection.
HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B is a contagious viral infection of the liver that is transmitted through blood, blood products, and other body fluids (such as semen and vaginal secretions). It can occur in any part of the world but is more common in developing nations. Travellers can become infected through unprotected sex with an infected person, injection drug use, and transfusions with unscreened blood. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through infected needles used for tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture and medical/dental procedures.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Hepatitis B generally show about 10 weeks after infection (although can take as long as 6 months). Symptoms include fever, gradually increasing tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, joint pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Symptoms may last from several weeks to several months. Some people infected with Hepatitis B become lifelong carriers of the disease. This means that although they recover from the symptoms of Hepatitis B they remain infectious and capable of passing the disease on to others. Some of these people develop a chronic form of Hepatitis B which can lead to liver failure or liver cancer.
HEPATITIS C
Like Hepatitis A and B, Hepatitis C is a contagious disease of the liver. Hepatitis C is most commonly spread through contact with infected blood but there is also a risk of it being transmitted through sexual contact. It is present in nearly every country of the world but most commonly in parts of Africa and Asia. Risk to travellers is generally low but increased if they receive a transfusion of unscreened blood or have medical or dental procedures, tattooing, piercing or acupuncture in developing countries where instruments may not be adequately sterilised.
Symptoms
Many people who become infected with the Hepatitis C virus have no symptoms at first. Those who do show symptoms may have loss of appetite, stomach pain, tiredness, nausea, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Even without early symptoms, most people go on to develop a long-term infection that can result in serious liver disease including scarring, cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.
HEPATITIS E
Like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E is another type of liver disease spread by contaminated food and water. It is present in most countries worldwide but more commonly found in developing nations where water and food safety is poor.
Symptoms
Some people infected with Hepatitis E show no symptoms. Others develop symptoms that include a sudden onset of fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Symptoms usually present within 15 to 60 days post exposure and generally last less than 2 months (but can last for up to 6 months). Pregnant women are most at risk of serious illness if they get Hepatitis E. Most people recover with no lasting liver damage.
Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease most commonly found in rural areas of Asia and the Western Pacific, although it has also been reported in urban areas. For most travellers the risk is low but there is a higher risk for travellers planning to visit rural areas, for those who plan to be outside frequently, and those who will be traveling for a long period of time within the at-risk region. The disease is most prevalent during and immediately following the wet season, when mosquitos are most prolific but can occur any time of year.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually take 5-15 days to develop although most people infected with Japanese Encephalitis experience no symptoms or very mild symptoms, including mild fever, headache and vomiting. However, in some cases (around 1%) the virus can progress to a serious inflammation around the brain (encephalitis) which can result in severe headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, convulsions and death (1 in 4 cases of serious infection). Of those who survive serious illness, almost half will go on to experience long-term neurological, cognitive or psychiatric problems.
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread through the bites of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. The Leishmania parsites, transmitted by sandfly bites, infect either the skin (Cutaneous Leishmaniasis) or the internal organs (Visceral Leishmaniasis). Cutaneious Leishmaniasis is the most common form of the disease with around 600,000 to 1 million cases reported annually worldwide. Around 95% of cases occur in Central and South America, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. Visceral Leishmaniasis is much less common, with an estimated 50,000 to 90,000 cases reported annually worldwide, and occurs more frequently in Brazil, East Africa and South-East Asia.
Symptoms
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis causes skin lesions, mainly ulcers, on exposed parts of the skin where bites occur, within weeks or months of being bitten, and can result in life-long scars and serious disability. Very rarely the disease can spread to the nose, mouth or throat causing partial or total destruction of the mucous membranes (Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis). Visceral Leishmaniasis attacks the internal organs gradually, over months or years, and causes irregular bouts of fever, weight-loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anaemia. If left untreated, Visceral Leishmaniasis is fatal in over 95% of cases. Fortunately, most people infected with Leishmania parasites do not go on to develop symptoms of any form of the disease, however precaution is still recommended in areas where Leishmaniasis is known to be endemic.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contact with the urine of infected animals. Direct infection can occur if the urine from an infected animal makes contact with open cuts or abrasions. Indirect infection can occur through contact with contaminated bodies of water (water holes, rivers, floodwaters) or urine soaked soil, or through ingesting contaminated food or fluid. Most people at-risk of infection work with animals in infected regions (farmers, animal carers) but the disease has also been associated with swimming, wading, or water sports in contaminated lakes and rivers.
Symptoms
While animals may show no signs of illness, in humans the common symptoms can include high fever, headaches, chills, muscle aches and pains, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), red eyes and rash. Symptoms usually begin abruptly within 2 days to 4 weeks post exposure. Without treatment recovery can take up to several months. In some cases illness can progress to a more serious phase resulting in kidney or liver failure or inflammation of the brain (meningitis).
Malaria is a disease spread through mosquito bites, infecting over 200 million people worldwide each year. The disease is endemic in many parts of the world including Africa, Central and South America, parts of the Caribbean, Asia, Eastern Europe and the South Pacific. All travellers to Malaria regions should take precautions to avoid infection. All travellers are at-risk in Malaria endemic regions, although you may be more at risk if your travel plans involve sleeping outside or in accommodation that is open to the outside air. Generally, more remote areas carry a higher risk than city areas. If you are pregnant, Malaria may pose a threat to your unborn child, so it is safest to avoid travel to Malaria-endemic regions if possible, and if not, be sure to seek advice from your Travel Health GP well before you depart.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Malaria usually develop within 7-30 days (but can take up to one year) and can include high fevers, shaking chills, headache, lethargy, muscle aches and pains, abdominal discomfort (sometimes with vomiting and/or diarrhoea), coughing, and in some case jaundice (yellowing of the skin). In many ways Malaria is difficult to distinguish from the flu, but without treatment can be very serious and even fatal. It is important to understand that anti-malaria medications do not offer 100% protection from the disease, so any symptoms should be investigated whether you took anti-malarials or not.
Measles is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles virus is highly contagious and can remain active for up to 2 hours in the air or on surfaces. Measles remains a common disease in many parts of the world including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific and Africa where routine vaccination is not common. Measles vaccination is part of the recommended schedule of childhood immunisation in Australia, which is why outbreaks of measles is very uncommon. Anyone who has not previously been vaccinated against measles will be at-risk when travelling to areas where measles outbreaks are common.
Symptoms
Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Some people who become sick with measles can also have ear infection, diarrhoea, or serious respiratory complication such as pneumonia. Although severe cases are rare, measles can cause swelling of the brain and even death. Measles can be especially severe in infants and in people who are malnourished or who have a weakened immune system.
Meningococcal disease is a highly contagious bacterial infection causing inflammation of the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord (meninges). There are a variety of strains of Meningococcal disease (including A, C, Y, W and X) that occur in various parts of the world. The disease can progress very quickly, and if not treated immediately, can result in death within several hours. Meningococcal disease is found worldwide, and several cases have been reported in Australia. However, countries across sub-Saharan Africa, in what is known as the “Meningitis Belt” have the highest rates of the disease, especially during the dry season. Travellers participating in the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia are also at increased risk because the sustained close contact with others.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Meningococcal disease include sudden fever, headache and neck stiffness. Nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and confusion can also occur. Children may show signs of irritability, lethargy, inactivity and vomiting. When the bacterial infection spreads to the blood a dark purple rash can appear that can spread very quickly and cause significant damage to the tissue and may require limb amputation. Other symptoms include diarrhoea, rapid breathing, chills, and severe aches and pains. If left untreated the illness can rapidly deteriorate and death can occur.
Mumps is a contagious disease spread though air-borne particles from an infected person coughing, sneezing or even talking or through saliva transmission through sharing cups, straws, cutlery or kissing. The infective particles can stay active for several hours on surfaces touched (or sneezed or coughed on) by an infected person. Mumps is highly uncommon in Australia where routine vaccination occurs in childhood and good herd immunity means there are very few outbreaks. However, in some countries where vaccination against Mumps is not routine, outbreaks do occur. This is usually in developing countries, but outbreaks have also been reported in countries like the UK and Japan, where vaccination rates are low.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite and swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears or jaw on one or both sides of the face. Most people recover from the Mumps without complication, however some people develop more serious symptoms including swollen and painful testes in males, swollen and painful breasts and ovaries in females, and temporary or permanent deafness.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread by infected individuals who cough or sneeze near others.
Symptoms
Initially symptoms are similar to a simple cold – runny nose, low-grade fever, mild cough – but later become more serious with fits of rapid uncontrollable coughing followed by a high-pitched “whooping” inhalation as the person tries to catch their breath. The fits of coughing can also result in vomiting and exhaustion. Pertussis is extremely serious in young babies who have not yet developed adequate immunity from their scheduled vaccinations. For children under 1 year of age almost half of those contracting pertussis will be hospitalised and 1% will die from it.
When we hear the word “plague” most people think about the Black Death that devastated populations of Europe in the 1300s. Plague still exists today, although in nowhere near the same proportions. Plague is a disease most commonly spread through bites from infected fleas and sometimes through direct contact with an infected animal. There are 3 types of plague: Bubonic, Septicemic and Pneumonic. Every year an estimated 1000-2500 people become infected with plague worldwide, most commonly in rural regions in parts of Africa, central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, northern South America and the western part of the United States. While outbreaks do occur, the risk to travellers in very low although there have been several cases reported over the years associated with international travel. Your Travel Medicine GP will be able to advise you if your area of travel falls within a current plague-endemic zone.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Plague varies with the type of infection. Symptoms of Bubonic Plague usually present within 2-6 days of infection and include fever, headache, chills, weakness, swollen and painful lymph nodes. If left untrested the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body causing Septicemic Plague. Symptoms of Septicemic Plague include fever, chills, extreme weakness, stomach pain and bleeding into the skin and organs. Pneumonic Plague is the most serious form of Plague and is more often associated with contact with infected animals or humans rather than bites from infected fleas. Pneumonic Plague can also develop from untreated Bubonic or Septicemic Plague when the bacteria progresses to the lungs. Symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, rapidly developing pneumonia, chest pain, shortness of breath and coughing up bloody or watery mucous. If left untreated all forms of Plague can rapidly become fatal.
Rabies is 100% fatal if not treated appropriately within the recommended timeframe (24-48 hours). If you were travelling to a region where every disease was present and you could only protect yourself from one, this would be it! Rabies is a disease caused by a virus spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites, but scratches (even without bleeding) or licking on areas of broken skin can also transmit the infective virus. Rabies does not discriminate – all mammals are potential carriers but it is most commonly transmitted by infected dogs, bats, monkeys, racoons, foxes and mongooses. The Rabies virus rapidly attacks the central nervous system, causing brain disease and death. Rabies is found all around the world, except in Antartica, but is most common in developing nations where veterinarian care is minimal, wild and stray animals roam urban areas and where access to appropriate treatment is limited. Children are unfortunately more at-risk of infection with Rabies because they are more likely to play with wild or stray animals and less likely to report being bitten.
Symptoms
Once symptoms appear the disease is almost always fatal, so RAPID action is needed BEFORE the disease gets to this point.
All bites, scratches and licks to broken skin should be assumed to be infective.
Rubella (also known as German Measles) is a disease caused by a virus that is spread by coughs and sneezes of infected people. Rubella remains a common disease in many parts of the world including the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa where routine vaccination is not common. Rubella vaccination is part of the recommended schedule of childhood immunisation in Australia, which is why outbreaks of Rubella are very uncommon. Anyone who has not previously been vaccinated against Rubella will be at-risk when travelling to areas where Rubella outbreaks exist.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Rubella usually appear within 2 weeks of infection and include a generalised rash and mild fever that lasts for up to 3 days. Some people also experience lethargy, runny nose and sore throat. Many people do not show any symptoms at all. Rubella is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, especially during the first trimester, as the Rubella virus can be passed onto the foetus causing significant birth defects such as deafness, cataracts, heart defects, cognitive disability, organ damage or even foetal death.
Scabies is an irritation of the skin caused by microscopic itch mites. The scabies mites burrow into the upper layer of skin where they live and lay eggs. The mite is usually spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who is already infected with scabies. Short contact with an infected person, such as a quick handshake or hug, will not usually spread the infection, however caution should be exercised. Scabies is a global disease that does not discriminate between race or social class, so all travellers are considered to be at-risk. It is more often seen in developing countries where close crowds are more likely to rapidly spread the infection.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching (especially at night) and a small pimple-like skin rash where the scabies mites have penetrated the skin. The itching and rash are a type of allergic reaction to the proteins and faeces of the parasitic mites under the skin. Common areas of scabies infection include between the fingers, the wrists, elbow, armpits, penis, nipple, waist, buttocks and shoulder blades. Very young children are more likely to have symptoms on their face, neck, palms, and soles of their feet. It is also sometimes possible to see tiny burrow marks along the skin where the female scabies mite tunnels just beneath the surface. The burrow marks usually appear as slightly raised grayish-white or skin-coloured squiggles on the skin. Symptoms usually do not appear for up to 2 months (2-6 weeks) following the initial infection in people who have never had scabies before. People who have had scabies previously show symptoms much sooner (usually within 1-4 days of infection). It is important to understand though, that the scabies mite can be spread to other people on contact even before symptoms appear and up until the mites and eggs are completely destroyed.
Schistosomiasis (also known as Bilharzia) is a disease picked up in bodies of fresh water contaminated with tiny parasitic flatworms which can penetrate human skin on contact. The worms develop and multiply inside a particular type of freshwater snail. Once the worms leave the snail they can survive in the water for up to 48 hours and can infect anyone wading, swimming or bathing in the same water. Once infected, the worms invade and live inside the blood vessels where the females produce eggs. The eggs can then travel to the bladder or intestines. The disease is found in many popular tourist destinations in certain parts of Africa, South America, the Middle East, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Symptoms
The symptoms of schistosomiasis are caused by a reaction to the eggs produced by the worms inside the body, not to the actual worms themselves. Early symptoms of schistosomiasis include rash and itchy skin (usually within the first few days of infection). Other symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough and muscle aches may present some months later. Sometimes people with schistosomiasis do not show any symptoms at all, however, if untreated it can cause some serious health problems including damage to the liver, lungs, intestine and bladder and, very rarely, the eggs may infest the brain and spinal cord causing seizures, paralysis or spinal cord inflammation.
Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by clostridium tetani spores which are found everywhere in the environment, but most commonly in soil, dust and manure. The spores can enter our system through penetration directly into the skin, usually from cuts and abrasions contaminated with dirt or faeces, or from puncture wounds caused by contaminated objects (like rusty nails).
Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop within 3-21 days (on average 10 days). The most common symptom is tightening of the jaw muscles, often referred to as “lock-jaw”. Other symptoms include sudden involuntary muscle spasms (usually in the stomach), painful muscle stiffness all over the body, difficulty swallowing and breathing, seizures, headache, fever, sweating and fast heart rate. Around 10-20% of cases are fatal.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral illness spread through tick bites and infecting the central nervous system. TBE can also be acquired by eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy products (such as milk and cheese) from infected goats, sheep, or cows. TBE is found in many parts of Europe and Asia, with several thousand cases reported each year. Most cases are reported to occur in Russia but other countries include the Czech Republic, Estonia, parts of France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, China, Japan, Mongolia, and South Korea. Travelers are more likely to get TBE from April through to November (mostly in early and late summer) and when traveling to forested areas where ticks are common.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis include fever, aches and pains, loss of appetite, headache, nausea and vomiting. Most people experience only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, in a small number of cases more serious symptoms can occur including swelling of the brain and/or spinal cord, confusion, and sensory disturbances. Approximately 1% of people presenting with more serious infection die from this disease.
Tuberculosis is an air-borne bacterial diseases commonly affecting the lungs, but can occur in any part of the body. TB is spread when bacteria is expelled into the air from the cough and sneezes or infected people, or even when an infected person speaks. TB can also be acquired from eating unpasteurised dairy products from cows infected with a bovine form of TB. Globally, nearly 9 million new case of TB occur each year, including around 1.5 million TB-related deaths. Countries where TB is most commonly found include sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Central and South America.
Symptoms
Tuberculosis can be present in both latent and active forms. Latent TB means the bacteria are not active in the body, so symptoms do not present and the disease cannot be transmitted to others. However, latent TB can become active in the future. Symptoms of active Tuberculosis disease include persisting cough (usually longer than 3 week), chest pain, coughing up blood or sputum, weakness or tiredness, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, chills and night sweats.
Typhoid Fever is a serious disease spread by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. The bacteria lives in the bloodstream and intestines of infected people and is shed in their faeces. The bacteria can be transmitted to others who eat food that has been handled by an infected person or if water used for drinking or cooking or washing food has been contaminated with sewerage. Typhoid Fever is most common in developing countries including (but not limited to) Asia, Africa and Central and South America where an estimated 21.5 million people are infected each year.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Typhoid included persisting fever, weakness, stomach pains, headache and loss of appetite. Some people also experience a flat rose-coloured rash and constipation. The only way to accurately diagnose Typhoid Fever is to test a stool or blood sample for the presence of Salmonella Typhi bacteria. Typhoid Fever can be fatal in some cases if left untreated.
Yellow Fever is a viral illness spread by mosquitos that can result in serious haemorrhagic illness and sometimes death. It is most common in parts of Africa and South America. The disease is so serious that many countries will not allow travellers to enter if they have come from a known Yellow Fever region and do NOT have proof of prior Yellow Fever vaccination.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Yellow Fever can take 3-6 days to develop and include fever, chills, headache, backache, and general muscle aches and pains, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and weakness. Approximately 15% of people infected with Yellow Fever go on to develop a more serious illness following a very short remission from symptoms (several hours to a day). These more serious symptoms can include high fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding (especially from the intestinal tract and causing vomiting of blood or passing blood in the stools). People with this more severe form of Yellow Fever may go on to develop shock and multiple organ failure that can result in death in up to 50% of cases.
Zika virus is a primarily mosquito-borne illness that is particularly dangerous for pregnant women or women considering becoming pregnant because of the high risk of severe birth defects caused by the virus. Zika is spread to a developing foetus through the mother’s bloodstream. There is also evidence to suggest that the virus can be spread through sexual contact with a person who is infected with Zika. The virus is able to survive for several months in a man’s semen, presenting an additional threat to women who are pregnant or who wish to become pregnant. Zika is currently known to pose a risk in Central and South America, parts of Africa, parts of Asia, the Caribbean, some Pacific Islands.
Symptoms
Most people infected with Zika will not experience any significant symptoms, or any symptoms at all, however they are still capable of spreading the disease. The most serious birth defect linked to Zika virus is anencephaly (no or severely limited brain development) that often results in death before or soon after birth.
