Israel
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A significant increase in pertussis cases has been recorded in Israel, especially among the ultra-Orthodox "Haredi" population in Jerusalem. Between the beginning of May and the end of June, 326 cases were counted. A 10-week-old infant died as a result of the disease. Both the infant and the mother had not been vaccinated.
After basic immunization against pertussis, booster vaccinations are recommended for adolescents (11-15 years) and adults (25-29 years). Booster vaccination is also indicated for any pregnancy. In addition, adolescents and adults should be vaccinated against pertussis if there is regular occupational or family contact with infants under 6 months of age and the last vaccination against pertussis was 10 years ago or more.
A Zika infection was diagnosed in 5 tourists from Germany, Israel, and the United Kingdom who had recently returned from Thailand. They visited the following areas: Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Koh Samui, Khao Lak, Bangkok, and Chang Mai. The country is not classified as an area with a current outbreak at this time (see CDC map).
Optimal mosquito protection around the clock (during the day against dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, etc., at dusk and at night against malaria). In case of fever, paracetamol supplements and hydration. Do not take acetylsalicylic acid-containing medications (e.g., Aspirin®), as they may increase the risk of bleeding. During stays in malaria areas, a differential diagnosis should always be made in case of fever in order to exclude malaria. Detailed recommendations on Zika can be found here.
Geosentinel via ProMED, 4.7.2022
An Israeli traveler contracted the Zika virus during a stay in northern Thailand. An English couple who had travelled to Thailand in March 2022 also contracted Zika. They had visited Phuket, some islands and an elephant sanctuary.
The spread of Zika is known in Thailand.
The spread of Zika is known in Thailand.
Protect yourself optimally around the clock (24/7) against mosquitoes (see factsheet mosquito and tick bite protection): during the day against dengue, chikungunya, Zika and other viruses, at dusk and at night against malaria. If you should have a fever: take medication containing the ingredient paracetamol and make sure you drink enough fluids. Do not take any medication containing the ingredient acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin®), as this can increase the bleeding tendency in the event of a dengue infection (see also factsheet dengue). If you have visited a malaria area and have a fever >37.5 °C, you should always exclude malaria by taking a blood smear on the spot. Visit a medical facility for this (see also factsheet malaria). Detailed information on Zika can be found in the factsheet zika.
GeoSentinel Personal Communication
At the beginning of March, an almost 4-year-old girl from Jerusalem was diagnosed with acute flaccid paralysis. Circulating vaccine poliovirus type 3 (cVDPV3) was detected in the stool. In the course, another 5 persons were diagnosed with cVDPV3 and one suspected case is still awaiting test results. All 7 persons had not been vaccinated against polio.
Further testing revealed genetic links to VDPV3 strains detected in environmental samples collected from sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem between September 2021 and January 2022. Health authorities are currently conducting epidemiological and virological investigations on site to further determine the source and origin of the isolated virus and the associated potential risk of further spread.
Formally, Israel falls under the temporary polio vaccination recommendations of WHO category 1 ("States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk of international spread"), a confirmation by the International Health Regulation (IHR) Committee is still pending:
On departure from Israel, persons with residence in the country for >4 weeks must have received a polio booster vaccine (IPV) no longer than 12 months ago with documentation in their 'International Certificate for Vaccination'. This is important to avoid the spread of poliomyelitis viruses from the country and can be checked on departure.
Stays < 4 weeks: In addition to the basic immunisation against polio, a booster vaccination is recommended every 10 years (recommendation of the Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine (ECTM).
On departure from Israel, persons with residence in the country for >4 weeks must have received a polio booster vaccine (IPV) no longer than 12 months ago with documentation in their 'International Certificate for Vaccination'. This is important to avoid the spread of poliomyelitis viruses from the country and can be checked on departure.
Stays < 4 weeks: In addition to the basic immunisation against polio, a booster vaccination is recommended every 10 years (recommendation of the Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine (ECTM).
General Information
- Although the public health emergency of international concern for COVID-19 was declared over on 5 May 2023, COVID-19 remains a health threat
- Adhere to the recommendations and regulations of your host country
- Check entry requirements of destination country: see regulary updated COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map of IATA (LINK)
Vaccinations for all travellers
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- Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. It is also known as infectious jaundice.
- The virus is easily transmitted by contaminated food or water but can also be transmitted through sexual contact.
- A safe and very effective vaccine is available that affords long-lasting protection.
- Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers going to tropical or subtropical countries, and for risk groups.
- Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus.
- The virus is easily transmitted by contaminated food or water but can also be transmitted through sexual contact.
- A safe and very effective vaccine is available that affords long-lasting protection.
- Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers going to tropical or subtropical countries, and for risk groups.
Hepatitis A is caused by a highly contagious virus that affects the liver. It is also known as infectious jaundice. Hepatitis A is very common in unvaccinated travelers.
Hepatitis A occurs all over the world, but the risk of infection is higher in countries with poor hygiene standards. There is an increased risk in most tropical and subtropical countries, as well as in some countries in Eastern Europe and around the Mediterranean.
In recent years, there have also been increasing cases in North America and Europe, including Switzerland, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Outbreaks in northern European countries can also occur when unvaccinated children become infected during family visits to tropical and subtropical countries. Upon return, they may transmit the virus within their care facilities.
Transmission occurs mainly through drinking water or food contaminated by faeces. Other transmission routes are close personal contacts, especially sexual contacts (anal-oral sex) or insufficient hand hygiene.
Several weeks after the infection symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, lack of appetite, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea may occur. Within a few days yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) may follow. Most symptoms disappear after a few weeks, but fatigue can often last for months. Young children usually have few or no symptoms, but in older people, the disease can be severe and prolonged.
No specific treatment is available. Recovery from an acute hepatitis A infection can take several weeks or months and requires physical rest and diet.
There is a safe and very effective vaccine that consists of two injections at least 6 months apart. It provides lifelong protection after the second dose. Hepatitis A vaccination can also be given in combination with hepatitis B vaccination (3 doses required).
Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for all travellers to risk areas, as well as for persons at increased personal risk: persons with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men, people who use or inject drug, persons with increased occupational contact with persons from high-risk areas or populations, and others.
- Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Hepatitis A. https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/krankheiten-im-ueberblick/hepatitis-a.html
- Swiss Hepatitis: https://en.hepatitis-schweiz.ch/all-about-hepatitis/hepatitis-a
Recommendation
In addition to the basic immunisation against polio, a booster vaccination is recommended for
- immunocompetent travellers <65 years: every 20 years
- immunocompetent travellers ≥65 years: every 10 years
- travellers with immunodeficiency: every 10 years
- Polio is a vaccine-preventable viral disease of the nervous system that is acquired mainly through the consumption of food or water contaminated by feces.
- The infection with the poliovirus can affect children and adults and may lead to permanent limb or respiratory muscle paralysis and death.
- An effective, well-tolerated vaccine is available! Check if booster doses are recommended (on top of completed basic vaccination schedule).
In addition to the basic immunisation against polio, a booster vaccination is recommended for
- immunocompetent travellers <65 years: every 20 years
- immunocompetent travellers ≥65 years: every 10 years
- travellers with immunodeficiency: every 10 years
EKRM_Factsheet_Layperson_EN_Polio.pdf
- Polio is a vaccine-preventable viral disease of the nervous system that is acquired mainly through the consumption of food or water contaminated by feces.
- The infection with the polio virus can affect children and adults and may lead to permanent limb or respiratory muscle paralysis and death.
- An effective, well- tolerated vaccine is available! Check if booster doses are recommended for the travel destination (on top of completed basic vaccination schedule).
Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a highly infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system and can cause total limb paralysis within a very short time period. People of all ages can be infected through consumption of contaminated food or water. Humans are the only known reservoir of the polio virus. Infection may be mild or even without symptoms. If symptoms of muscular or nervous system complications appear, sequelae (long-term complications) almost always occur. There is no medication to cure polio but the vaccine against polio is highly efficacious.
Polio due to wild types of viruses has been eradicated from most countries. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, however, new infections still occur. In some countries, polio viruses derived from live, oral vaccines are circulating and cause outbreaks of polio disease, especially in countries where vaccination coverage against polio is low in the population.
Polio virus is mainly transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated by feces. The virus can also be acquired through secretions or saliva of an infected person. In the tropics, transmission occurs year round, whereas in temperate zones, a peak can be seen in summer.
Symptoms most commonly appear 3 to 21 days following exposure. Initial symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Those with mild cases may recover within a week. More serious cases result in stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs. 1 in 200 infections leads to irreversible limb or respiratory muscle paralysis.
There is no cure for polio. Treatment targets symptom alleviation only.
Regular hand washing after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. Avoidance of undercooked or raw food that is potentially contaminated with fecal material.
The most important prevention is vaccination. A very effective and well-tolerated vaccine against polio is available (inactivated (killed) polio vaccine (IPV)), which is part of the basic vaccination schedule during childhood. Combination vaccines (e.g. with diphtheria and tetanus) are also available. After basic vaccination, a booster dose is recommended every 10 years for travel to certain countries (see country page recommendations). WHO recommends a yearly vaccination for residents or long-stay visitors (minimum 4 weeks) in a country with ongoing polio infections or circulating vaccine-derived polio viruses. This recommendation not only targets individual protection, but aims to prevent the international spread of the virus.
Check the risk for polio in the region of travel, and ensure vaccination if recommended (see country page recommendations).
Worldwide
Recommendation
All travellers should have completed a basic immunisation and boosters according to the Swiss vaccination schedule, LINK.
Worldwide
Recommendation
All travellers should have completed a basic immunisation and boosters according to the Swiss vaccination schedule, LINK.
Worldwide
Recommendation
Travellers should be immune to chickenpox. Persons between 13 months and 39 years of age who have not had chickenpox and who have not received 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine should receive a booster vaccination (2 doses with minimum interval of 4 weeks), see Swiss vaccination schedule, LINK.
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- Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that is transmitted via contaminated blood or via sexual contact.
- A safe and very effective vaccine is available that affords life-long protection.
- Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all young people and at-risk travellers, especially if:
- You travel regularly or spend long periods of time abroad.
- You are at risk of practicing unsafe sex.
- You might undergo medical or dental treatment abroad, or undertake activities that may put you at risk of acquiring hepatitis B (tattoos, piercing, acupuncture in unsafe conditions).
Under construction
- Rabies is mainly transmitted by dogs (and bats), but any mammal can be infectious.
- It is invariably fatal at the time when symptoms occur.
- Rabies is best prevented by a pre-travel vaccination and appropriate behavior towards mammals.
- Pre-travel vaccination is also recommended because vaccines and immunoglobulins are often not available in many travel countries. Vaccination before travel is highly recommended in particular for
- long-term stay in endemic countries,
- short journeys with high individual risk such as travellers on ‘two wheels’ or treks in remote areas or travel with toddlers and children up to 8 years,
- professional work with animals or cave explorers (bats!),
- for details, see SOP vaccination rabies (only available in HealthyTravel PRO).
- Attention: a bite or scratch wound as well as contact with mammal saliva is an emergency! Find out about the necessary actions below!
This fact sheet contains important information about rabies. For optimal travel preparation, we recommend that you read this information carefully and take the fact sheet on your trip!
- Rabies is mainly transmitted by dogs (and bats), but any mammal can be infectious.
- It is invariably fatal at the time when symptoms occur.
- Rabies is best prevented by a pre-travel vaccination and appropriate behavior towards mammals.
- Pre-travel vaccination is also recommended because vaccines and immunoglobulins are often not available in many travel countries. Vaccination before travel is highly recommended in particular for
- long-term stay in endemic countries,
- short journeys with high individual risk such as travellers on ‘two wheels’ or treks in remote areas, toddlers and children up to 8 years of age,
- professionals working with animals, or cave explorers (bats!).
- long-term stay in endemic countries,
- Attention: a bite or scratch wound as well as contact with mammal saliva is an emergency! Find out about the necessary actions below!
Rabies disease is invariably fatal, transmitted through the saliva or other body fluids of infected warm-blooded animals (i.e. mammals).
Dogs are responsible for more than 95 % of human cases. Bats, cats and (rarely) monkeys and other mammals can transmit rabies as well. The highest risk areas are Asia, Africa and some Latin American countries (e.g. Bolivia). Rabies may occur anywhere in the world except in countries where successful eradication has been achieved.
Saliva from infected animals enters the human body through injured skin, either via bites and scratches or by licking already wounded skin. Once it has entered the body through the skin lesion, the rabies virus migrates along nerve pathways towards the brain. In most cases, this migration takes several weeks to months and proceeds without accompanying symptoms.
Symptoms usually only appear when the virus has reached the brain. In most cases, this is the case after 2-12 weeks (range: 4 days - several years!) and manifests itself as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which in 99.99% of cases is fatal within a few weeks. As soon as symptoms of encephalitis appear, a fatal course can no longer be prevented.
No treatment against rabies disease exists.
Post-exposure measures:
- Immediate cleaning of the wound with plenty of water and soap for 10-15 minutes, followed by disinfection (e.g. Betadine, Merfen) and emergency post-exposure vaccination at the nearest health institution within 24 hours.
- Tetanus booster vaccination is also required.
- For those having received full pre-exposure rabies vaccination before travel: two additional vaccine shots (any available brand) at an interval of 3 days suffice.
- If full pre-exposure vaccination has not been given, in addition to vaccination, passive immunization is required with immunoglobulins.
- It should be noted that immunoglobins (and sometimes vaccines) are often unavailable in low-resource settings, causing stress and uncertainty.
Stroking cute pets is not a good idea; refrain from touching wild or unfamiliar or dead animals.
All travellers to places where rabies may occur and who are likely to take repeated trips to areas where rabies occurs should have a pre-exposure vaccination. In addition, pre-exposure vaccination is highly recommended for travellers at particular risk:
- long-term stay in endemic countries,
- short journeys with high individual risk such as travellers on ‘two wheels’ or treks in remote areas, toddlers and children up to 8 years of age,
- professionals working with animals, or cave explorers (bats!).
The shortened vaccination schedule can be proposed to most travellers: 2 shots, the first one at one month before departure if possible (minimum: 8 days before departure). A single third rabies booster vaccination is recommended before the next trip, at least after one year.
- Obtain information about prevention of rabies in time before travelling.
- In case of trips planned for longer than a few weeks, schedule a visit at the travel clinic 4 weeks before departure at the latest.
- After possible exposure (bite, scratch injury) wound treatment and additional vaccinations are necessary even for those with a completed series of basic vaccinations.
- This information leaflet should be printed and kept handy during the trip!
- FOPH Switzerland (German): https://www.bag.admin.ch/dam/bag/de/dokumente/mt/infektionskrankheiten/tollwut/bag-bulletin-15-2021-tollwut-prep-und-pep.pdf.download.pdf/210412_BAG_Bulletin_15_2021_Tollwut%20PrEP%20und%20PEP_d.pdf
- FOPH Switzerland (French): https://www.bundespublikationen.admin.ch/cshop_mimes_bbl/14/1402EC7524F81EDBA5D6C3EBC18BA9FB.pdf
- Typhoid fever is a serious disease that is caused by bacteria and transmitted through contaminated food or water.
- The risk is very low for travellers who have access to safe food and drinks.
- The best protection against typhoid fever is to follow optimal basic hygiene.
- A vaccination against typhoid is available that is recommended in following circumstances
- Visit to an area with poor hygienic conditions (e.g. travelling to rural areas)
- Short stay (>1 week) in a high-risk (hyper-endemic) country (see country page)
- Long-term stays (> 4 weeks) in an endemic country
- Presence of individual risk factors or pre-existing health conditions. In that case, please talk to your health advisor.
- Typhoid fever, also called enteric fever, is caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi.
- Infected persons shed the bacteria in their feces. In countries with low sanitation standards, the bacteria can then enter the drinking water system and lead to infections in other people.
- Frequent sources of infection are contaminated food and beverages.
- The main preventive measure therefore is “cook it, peel it, boil it or forget it” – meaning: avoid drinking uncooked water or water from unsealed bottles; avoid cooled/frozen products (e.g. ice cubes in drinks, ice cream) unless from a known safe source; avoid uncooked vegetables, peel and clean fruit and vegetables yourself and only with known safe drinking water.
- A vaccine is available and recommended: a) for travelers to the Indian subcontinent or to West Africa, b) for travelers visiting friends and relatives or for long-term travelers also to other sub-/tropical areas.
Typhoid fever is a bacterial disease that affects the whole body and mainly presents with high fever, often accompanied by drowsiness (“typhos” in Greek stands for delirium) and severe headaches. If the infection is treated with appropriate antibiotics, mortality is very low. If left untreated however, complications may follow, which can lead to significant mortality. Typhoid fever must be clearly distinguished from salmonellosis, caused by a large range of non-typhoidal salmonella species that mainly cause benign diarrheal symptoms worldwide.
The highest occurrence of typhoid fever is on the Indian subcontinent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, India and Bangladesh). This is also the region with a steady increase in antibiotic resistance. The disease also occurs in the whole sub-/tropical region, but with lower frequency. It used to occur also in Europe and North America, but the disease has disappeared thanks to improved water and sanitation standards.
Typhoid fever is transmitted via the fecal-oral route: bacteria are shed in the feces of infected persons and – if insufficient hand hygiene is practiced – infected persons may contaminate the food and drinking water supply of their families. In regions with low sanitation standards, contaminated feces may also contaminate the public drinking water supply.
The incubation period – time between infection and first symptoms – can vary between 3 days to 3 weeks. The principle symptom of typhoid fever is high-grade fever (39° - 41° C) accompanied by strong headache and drowsiness. In the initial phase of the disease, patients often complain of constipation. In later stages, this may turn into diarrhea. In later stages of the disease - and in the absence of correct treatment - complications such as septicemia, intestinal hemorrhage or perforation can follow, which may lead to considerable mortality.
Appropriate antibiotic treatment cures typhoid fever. Treatment should be adapted according to the resistance profile of the bacteria. On the Indian subcontinent, some strains may be multi-resistant, necessitating broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment. In severe typhoid fever with reduced consciousness (delirium) or coma, treatment with corticosteroids may need to be added.
“Cook it, boil it, peel it or forget it” – this simple slogan would be sufficient to prevent typhoid fever nearly entirely. However, only few travelers fully adhere to this advice. Nevertheless, the value of food and water hygiene cannot be stressed enough: avoid buying water bottles without proper sealing, avoid drinking tap water from unknown sources, avoid eating cooled / frozen foods (i.e. ice cubes in water or ice cream) and avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables that you yourself have not peeled and washed with clean drinking water.
Two types of vaccines are available:
- Oral (live) vaccine consisting of three capsules to be taken on alternate days on empty stomach. These capsules require refrigeration before use. Protection from this vaccine is approximately 70% and starts 10 days after the third dose. After 1 to 3 years, the vaccine needs to be taken again before a new travel into at-risk areas. This vaccine cannot be given to patients with a severe chronic gastrointestinal disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) or with severe immunosuppression.
- The single-dose vaccine is an inactivated vaccine and is injected intramuscularly. Protection also reaches around 70% and starts 14 days after the injection. This vaccine can be given to patients who should not take the oral vaccine. However, it is not registered in Switzerland, but most doctors with specialization in tropical and travel medicine and all travel health centres have the vaccine on stock. Duration of protection is around 3 years.
Vaccination against typhoid fever is advised for long-term travelers and for travelers visiting areas where the risk of transmission is particularly high and/or the disease more difficult to treat due to severe antibiotic resistance.
Federal Office of Public Health Switzerland: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/de/home/krankheiten/krankheiten-im-ueberblick/typhus-abdominalis-paratyphus.html
Recommendation
- Covid-19 is a disease that affects the whole body, but mainly shows with respiratory symptoms such as cough and difficulty in breathing. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
- The infection is mainly spread through respiratory droplets and possibly aerosols when infected persons cough, sneeze, speak or sing without wearing a mask.
- The infection can be prevented very effectively by vaccination and an increasing number of vaccines are now approved and available for protection.
- Vaccination is recommended according to the Swiss recommendations of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), see LINK.
- Furthermore, prevention relies heavily on people wearing face masks, on hand hygiene and on physical distancing (min. 1.5 m) if masks are not worn and people are not vaccinated.
For information, see LINK of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
Countrywide
- Influenza is common all over the world including sub-tropical and tropical countries.
- Vaccination offers the best protection.
- Vaccination against flu is recommended for all travellers who belong to an “at risk” group such as pregnant travellers, travellers with comorbidities, elderly people (>65 years), or who plan a a high-risk trip (e.g. cruise-ship, pilgrimage).
- The influenza vaccine does not offer protection against avian flu.
Under construction
Other health risks
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- Dengue fever is a viral disease that is disease that bite during daytime.
- The best way to prevent these diseases is to protect yourself from mosquito bites, see LINK!
- Note on vaccination against dengue:
- In December 2022, the European Union authorised the dengue vaccine Qdenga®; however Swissmedic has not yet approved this vaccine for Switzerland.
- Based on the data available, the Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine (EKRM) currently only recommends vaccination with Qdenga® for travellers who have already had a dengue infection and who are staying in areas with dengue high transmission.
- In case of fever: Do not use any medication containing acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin®, Alcacyl®, Aspégic®), as this can worsen bleeding in case of dengue infection.
- Read the following information for optimal travel preparation.
EKRM_Factsheet_Layperson_EN_Dengue.pdf
EKRM_Factsheet_Layperson_EN_Mosquito-and-tick-bite-protection.pdf
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a group of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections; while many are treatable, some can lead to complications, serious illness or chronic infection.
- STIs are increasing worldwide.
- Read the following fact sheet for more information.
- Geschlechtskrankheiten sind ein weltweit verbreitetes Gesundheitsproblem und können durch Prävention, regelmässiges Testen und Behandlung in den Griff bekommen werden.
- Das Wissen um Risiken sowie Safer-Sex-Praktiken inklusive Kondomgebrauch sind wichtig. Falls Sie mehr dazu erfahren wollen, wie Sie sich während der Reise optimal schützen können, besprechen Sie dies mit einer Fachperson.
- Hatten Sie eine Risikosituation, ist es wichtig mit einer Fachperson so rasch wie möglich Rücksprache zu halten, um zu erörtern, ob eine HIV-Post-Expositions-Prophylaxe (PEP) durchgeführt werden soll, um eine Ansteckung mit HIV zu verhindern.
- Im Nachgang einer Risikosituation ist es wichtig sich auf Geschlechtskrankheiten testen zu lassen. Auch dann, wenn Sie keine Symptome haben.
Reisende, die Gelegenheitssex haben, sind einem erhöhten Risiko ausgesetzt, sich mit sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen, sogenannten Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), einschliesslich HIV, anzustecken. Ein Auslandaufenthalt, wobei man auch neue Menschen kennen lernt, kann damit verbunden sein, sich anders zu verhalten und mehr Risiken einzugehen, als man dies zu Hause tun würde. Es ist wichtig daran zu denken, dass ungeschützter Sex und mehrere neue Sexualpartner ein Risiko für Geschlechtskrankheiten darstellen. Geschlechtskrankheiten können unter Umständen schwere Komplikationen verursachen und zudem auf weitere Partner*innen übertragen werden, sofern diese nicht rechtzeitig bemerkt und behandelt werden. Sind Sie nicht sicher, ob es sich um eine Risikosituation handelt, dann hilft der 'Risk-Check' von Love Live weiter.
Geschlechtskrankheiten sind Infektionen, die durch sexuellen Kontakt (vaginaler, analer oder oraler Sex) übertragen werden. Sie werden durch mehr als 30 verschiedene Bakterien, Viren oder Parasiten verursacht, die in oder auf Ihrem Körper vorkommen. Es ist auch möglich, dass gleichzeitig mehr als eine STI gleichzeitig übertragen wird. Einige bedeutendsten STIs sind HIV (Informationsblatt HIV-AIDS), Hepatitis B, das humane Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes simplex (HSV), Syphilis, Chlamydien und Gonorrhö.
Geschlechtskrankheiten treten weltweit auf und können jeden und jede treffen, unabhängig von Alter, Geschlecht oder auch der sexuellen Orientierung. STIs kommen in vielen Ländern mit schwächerem Gesundheitssystem häufiger vor.
Geschlechtskrankheiten werden in der Regel durch ungeschützten vaginalen, oralen oder analen Geschlechtsverkehr übertragen. Sie können aber auch durch andere intime Kontakte weitergegeben werden, wie z. B. Herpes und HPV, die durch Hautkontakt/Küssen übertragen werden. Andere können auch auf nicht sexuellem Wege übertragen werden, z.B. über Blut. Viele Geschlechtskrankheiten - darunter Syphilis, Hepatitis B, HIV, Chlamydien, Tripper, Herpes und HPV - können auch während der Schwangerschaft und bei der Geburt von der Mutter auf das Kind übertragen werden.
- Brennen oder Juckreiz im Genitalbereich
- Schmerzhaftes oder häufiges Wasserlösen oder auch Schmerzen im Unterleib
- Ungewöhnlicher Ausfluss aus dem Penis oder der Vagina
- Wunden, Rötungen, Bläschen im Mund/Lippen oder Genitalbereich sowie Warzen im Intimbereich
- Manchmal auch Fieber (eher selten)
Wichtig: Eine STI kann auch ohne oder mit nur leichten Symptomen auftreten. Auch wenn Sie sich dessen nicht bewusst sind, können Sie andere anstecken. Deshalb ist es wichtig sich testen zu lassen.
Geschlechtskrankheiten können bei einer körperlichen Untersuchung oder durch die Untersuchung von Urin, einer Wunde, eines Bläschens oder eines Abstrichs aus der Vagina, dem Penis oder dem Anus diagnostiziert werden. Bluttests können bei der Diagnose helfen. Auch wenn Sie keine Symptome haben, sollten Sie mit ihrer Ärztin, ihrem Arzt sprechen, wenn Sie im Ausland ungeschützten Geschlechtsverkehr hatten. Denn eine frühzeitige Erkennung und Behandlung ist wichtig, um eine Errergerübertragung und Komplikationen durch unbehandelte STIs zu verhindern.
Viele Geschlechtskrankheiten sind heilbar, andere wie z.B. HIV jedoch nicht und bedeuten, dass lebenslang Medikamente eingenommen werden müssen, damit es nicht zu Komplikationen kommt. Beispielsweise können mit Antibiotika bakteriell verursachte STIs geheilt werden. Eine frühzeitige Behandlung verringert zudem das Risiko von Komplikationen. Denn unbehandelt können einige STIs langfristig unter Umständen zu Gesundheitsproblemen führen, wie z.B. zu Unfruchtbarkeit, Geburtskomplikationen und einigen Arten von Krebs. Wenn eine schwangere Frau eine STI hat, kann dies zu Gesundheitsproblemen beim Baby führen. Auch Sexualpartner sollten gleichzeitig behandelt werden, um eine erneute Infektion zu verhindern (Ping-Pong-Übertragung).
- Beachten Sie die Safer Sex Regeln von Love Live. Dazu gehört auch bei jedem Anal- oder Vaginalverkehr Kondome zu verwenden.
- Denken Sie daran, dass es bei Oralverkehr auch zu Übertragungen von STIs kommen kann.
- Lassen Sie sich impfen! Es gibt Impfstoffe zum Schutz vor HPV, Hepatitis A und Hepatitis B.
- Hatten Sie eine Risikosituation, ist es wichtig mit einer Fachperson so rasch wie möglich Rücksprache zu halten, um zu erörtern, ob eine HIV-Post-Expositions-Prophylaxe (PEP) durchgeführt werden soll, um eine HIV-Infektion zu verhindern. Am wirksamsten ist eine HIV-PEP innerhalb weniger Stunden danach.
- Es gibt auch weitere Präventionsmassnahmen für spezielle Situationen (Präexpositionsprophylaxe HIV-PrEP). Sprechen Sie mit einer damit erfahrenen Fachperson vor Abreise darüber.
- Denken Sie daran, dass Alkohol oder Drogen zu erhöhtem Risikoverhalten führen.
- Denken Sie daran, dass Sie eine weitere Person/bekannter Partner*in bei ungeschütztem Sex anstecken können, sofern bei Ihnen eine unbehandelte STI vorliegt.
- Menschen mit einer neu diagnostizierten STI sind angehalten ihre früheren Sexualpartner*innen zu informieren, damit auch sie behandelt werden können.
Durch Bakterien oder Parasiten hervorgerufen
Alle diese Krankheiten können geheilt werden. Wichtig ist dabei, frühzeitig zu testen und umgehend zu therapieren, um Komplikationen und v.a. weitere Übertragungen zu vermeiden.
- Syphilis
Auch bekannt als Lues. Sie wird durch das Bakterium Treponema pallidum verursacht. Das erste Anzeichen ist eine schmerzlose Wunde an den Genitalien, im Mund, auf der Haut oder im Rektum, die hochgradig ansteckend ist und nach 3 bis 6 Wochen spontan abklingt. Da diese schmerzlos ist, nehmen nicht alle Patienten*innen diese Läsion wahr. Oft heilt diese Infektion jedoch nicht von selbst aus. In der zweiten Phase können Hautausschlag, Halsschmerzen und Muskelschmerzen auftreten. Unbehandelt kann die Krankheit im Verborgenen (latent) bleiben, ohne dass Symptome auftreten. Etwa ein Drittel der Infizierten mit unbehandelter Syphilis entwickelt im Verlauf Komplikationen. Diese Spätform wird als sogenannt tertiäre Syphilis bezeichnet . In diesem Stadium kann die Krankheit alle Organe befallen: am häufigsten das Gehirn, die Nerven und die Augen. Die Infektion kann während der Schwangerschaft auf den Fötus und bei der Geburt auf das Kind übertragen werden. - Chlamydia trachomatis
Chlamydien können ungewöhnlichen Ausfluss aus dem Penis oder der Vagina, Unbehagen beim Wasserlösen und Unterleibsschmerzen verursachen. Oft treten keine Symptome auf. Unbehandelt können sie zu Unfruchtbarkeit führen und die Krankheit kann auf Sexualpartner*innen übertragen werden. Die Bakterien können auch während der Schwangerschaft auf den Fötus, oder während der Geburt auf das Kind übertragen werden und Augeninfektionen oder Lungenentzündungen verursachen. - Gonorrhoe
Auch bekannt als Tripper. Zu den häufigsten Symptomen gehören Ausfluss aus der Vagina oder dem Penis und schmerzhaftes Wasserlassen. Symptome müssen aber nicht immer auftreten. Sowohl bei Männern als auch bei Frauen kann Gonorrhoe auch den Mund, den Rachen, die Augen und den Anus infizieren und sich auf das Blut und die Gelenke ausbreiten, wo sie in eine schwere Krankheit übergehen kann. Bleibt sie unbehandelt, kann sie eine Beckenentzündung verursachen, die zu chronischen Beckenschmerzen und Unfruchtbarkeit führen kann. Die Krankheit kann während der Schwangerschaft auf den Fötus übertragen werden. - Weitere bakterielle STIs: Mykoplasmen und Ureaplasmen. Diese können ebenfalls behandelt werden.
- Trichomoniasis
Sie wird durch einen Parasiten verursacht, der mit einer einzigen Dosis eines Antibiotikums behandelt werden kann. Trichomoniasis kann bei Frauen einen übel riechenden Scheidenausfluss, Juckreiz im Genitalbereich und schmerzhaftes Wasserlassen verursachen. Bei Männern treten in der Regel weniger oder keine Symptome auf. Zu den Komplikationen gehört das Risiko einer vorzeitigen Entbindung bei schwangeren Frauen. Um eine Reinfektion zu verhindern, sollten beide Sexualpartner behandelt werden.
Durch Viren hervorgerufen
- HIV/AIDS - siehe Informationsblatt HIV-AIDS
- Herpes simplex Virus
Im Lippen-Mundbereich, auch bekannt als Fieberbläschen, ist nicht heilbar. Herpes kann aber mit Medikamenten bei akuten Beschwerden kontrolliert werden. Die Symptome sind in der Regel schmerzhafte, wässrige Hautbläschen und finden sich an oder um die Genitalien, den Anus oder den Mund. Nach der Erstinfektion ruht das Virus im Körper und die Symptome können über Jahre hinweg wieder auftreten. Schwangere Frauen können die Infektion an ihre Neugeborenen weitergeben, was zu einer bedrohlichen Infektion führen kann. - Virale Hepatitis (siehe auch Hepatitis Schweiz)
- Hepatitis A (HAV)
Hepatitis A ist eine durch Impfung vermeidbare Leberinfektion, die durch das Hepatitis-A-Virus verursacht wird. Das Hepatitis-A-Virus findet sich im Stuhl und im Blut infizierter Personen. Hepatitis A kann durch verunreinigtes Wasser und Lebensmittel sowie bei anal-oralen sexuellen Aktivitäten übertragen werden. Die Patienten*innen leiden an einer akuten und oft schweren Erkrankung, erholen sich aber allermeist spontan. - Hepatitis B (HBV)
Das Hepatitis-B-Virus wird durch sexuelle Kontakte sowie durch den Kontakt mit anderen Körperflüssigkeiten, wie z.B. Blut, übertragen. Zur Übertragung kann es z.B. auch bei medizinischen Eingriffen oder Brennen eines Tatoos unter nicht optimalen hygienischen Bedingungen kommen. Hepatitis B kann eine schwere Leberinfektion verursachen, die sowohl zu einer sofortigen Erkrankung, als auch zu einer lebenslang andauernden Infektion führen kann mit möglicher Folge einer dauerhaften Lebervernarbung (Zirrhose) und Krebs. Schwangere Frauen mit Hepatitis B können das Virus während der Geburt auf ihr Kind übertragen. Zu Beginn der Infektion haben Sie möglicherweise keine Symptome. Das Virus kann auf Sexualpartner*innen übertragen werden. Hepatitis B kann mit antiviralen Medikamenten behandelt werden, ist aber nur selten heilbar. Eine Impfung kann eine Hepatitis-B-Infektion verhindern. - Hepatitis C (HCV)
In den meisten Fällen wird Hepatitis C durch den Kontakt mit infiziertem Blut übertragen. Seltener kann es durch analen Sexualkontakt oder von der Mutter auf das Kind während der Schwangerschaft und Geburt übertragen werden. Die meisten Infizierten sind sich ihrer Infektion nicht bewusst, weil sie keine Symptome entwickeln, aber diese chronische Infektion kann zu Leberzirrhose und Krebs führen. Hepatitis C kann behandelt werden, eine Impfung gibt es nicht.
- Hepatitis A (HAV)
- Humanes Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV ist die häufigste Geschlechtskrankheit. Es gibt eine Vielzahl verschiedener HPV-Typen, und einige von ihnen können Genital-, Anal- und Mundwarzen sowie Gebärmutterhals-, Penis- oder Rachenkrebs verursachen. Die Symptome können auch noch Jahre nach dem Sex mit einer infizierten Person auftreten. Zwei verfügbare Impfstoffe schützen gegen die wichtigsten HPV-Typen, die Gebärmutterhals-, Penis- oder Analkrebs verursachen. - Zika - siehe Informationsblatt Zika
In den meisten Fällen wird es vor allem durch Stechmücken übertragen. Es kann aber auch sexuell übertragen werden. Eine Ansteckung mit Zika während der Schwangerschaft kann bei dem sich entwickelnden Fötus Geburtsfehler wie Mikrozephalie (kleiner Kopf mit neurologischen Ausfällen) verursachen. Die einzige Möglichkeit, eine sexuelle Übertragung des Virus während der Schwangerschaft zu verhindern, besteht darin, Vorsichtsmassnahmen (Kondome) zu treffen oder Sex (mindestens 2 Monate nach der Rückkehr) mit jemandem zu vermeiden, der kürzlich in ein Risikogebiet gereist ist, auch wenn der Reisende keine Symptome hat.
- Love Life: www.lovelife.ch
- Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz: www.sexuelle-gesundheit.ch
- Hepatitis Schweiz: https://hepatitis-schweiz.ch/formen/was-ist-hepatitis
- World Health Organization (WHO). Factsheets. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 14 June 2019: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Factsheet: Information for Teens and Young Adults: Staying Healthy and Preventing STDs (2017): www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/stdfact-teens.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How You Can Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases: www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Sexual Transmission and Prevention. Zika Virus: www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/protect-yourself-during-sex.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Zika and Pregnancy; Pregnant Women and Zika (March 2021): www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/zika/protect-yourself.html
There is a risk of arthropod-borne diseases other than malaria, dengue, chikungunya or zika in sub-/tropical regions, and some areas of Southern Europe. These include the following diseases [and their vectors]:
- in Europe
- Borreliosis, FSME (= tick-borne encephalitis), rickettsiosis [ticks]
- Leishmaniasis [sand flies]
- West-Nile fever [mosquitoes]
- in Africa
- Rickettsiosis, in particular African tick bite fever [ticks]
- Leishmaniasis [sand flies]
- African trypanosomiasis = sleeping sickness [tsetse flies]
- West-Nile fever [mosquitoes]
- in Asia
- Scrub typhus [mites]
- Rickettsiosis [fleas or ticks]
- Leishmaniasis [sand flies]
- West-Nile fever [mosquitoes]
- Crimea-Congo-hemorrhagic fever [ticks]
- in North and Latin America
- Rickettsioses and in particular Rocky Mountain spotted fever [ticks]
- Leishmaniasis and Carrion's disease [sand flies]
- American trypanosomiasis = Chagas disease [triatomine bugs]
- West Nile fever [mosquitoes]
EKRM_Factsheet_Layperson_EN_Mosquito-and-tick-bite-protection.pdf
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- There are other important travel related health risks such as diarrhoea, road traffic accidents, air pollution and more.
- For more information, see the section "Healthy Travelling".