Congo (Democratic Republic)

Vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo® or Menquadfi ®) is recommended as follows:

• During epidemics or alerts, vaccination is recommended for stays > 7 days or in the case of close contact with the local population.
  

If no alert or epidemic is reported, vaccination is recommended for travel to the ‘meningitis belt’ during the dry season (typically occurring from December to June) across sub-Saharan Africa if:

• Travelling for >30 days or
  
• For shorter stays, depending on the individual risk (e.g. close personal contacts, work in health care facilities, stay in heavily occupied accommodation, risk of epidemics).

In addition, ensure all patients with an indication for pneumococcal vaccination are vaccinated according to the Swiss vaccination plan.

Vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo® or Menquadfi ®) is recommended as follows:

• During epidemics or alerts, vaccination is recommended for stays > 7 days or in the case of close contact with the local population.
  

If no alert or epidemic is reported, vaccination is recommended for travel to the ‘meningitis belt’ during the dry season (typically occurring from December to June) across sub-Saharan Africa if:

• Travelling for >30 days or
  
• For shorter stays, depending on the individual risk (e.g. close personal contacts, work in health care facilities, stay in heavily occupied accommodation, risk of epidemics).

In addition, ensure all patients with an indication for pneumococcal vaccination are vaccinated according to the Swiss vaccination plan.

Although the outbreak has been declared over, health authorities are maintaining surveillance to rapidly identify and respond to any re-emergence.

Travellers should follow general preventive measures:

• Wash hands regularly and carefully using soap and water (or alcohol gel if soap is unavailable).
  
• Avoid contact with sick people who have symptoms, such as fever, muscle pain, and rash.
  
• Avoid contact with blood and other body fluids.
  
• Avoid visiting healthcare facilities in the filovirus-affected areas for nonurgent medical care or non-medical reasons.
  
• Avoid contact with dead bodies or items that have been in contact with dead bodies, participating in funeral or burial rituals, or attending a funeral or burial. 
  
• Avoid handling, cooking, or eating bush/wild meat (meat of wild/feral mammals killed for food).
  
• Wash and peel fruit and vegetables before consumption.
  
• Avoid visiting mines or bat caves and contact with all wild animals; alive or dead, particularly bats.
  
• If visiting mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies, wear gloves and other appropriate protective clothing, including masks and eye protection.
• Practice safer sex.

Follow media and official reports.

The affected area is difficult to access, making the risk for travellers very low. People visiting the affected area should follow these precautions:

General preventive measures:

• Wash hands regularly and carefully using soap and water (or alcohol gel if soap is unavailable).
  
• Avoid contact with sick people who have symptoms, such as fever, muscle pain, and rash.
  
• Avoid contact with blood and other body fluids
  
• Avoid visiting healthcare facilities in the filovirus-affected areas for nonurgent medical care or non-medical reasons.
  
• Avoid contact with dead bodies or items that have been in contact with dead bodies, participating in funeral or burial rituals, or attending a funeral or burial. 
  
• Avoid handling, cooking, or eating bush/wild meat (meat of wild/feral mammals killed for food).
  
• Wash and peel fruit and vegetables before consumption.
  
• Avoid visiting mines or bat caves and contact with all wild animals; alive or dead, particularly bats.
  
• If visiting mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies, wear gloves and other appropriate protective clothing, including masks and eye protection.
  
• Practice safer sex.
  

Vaccination against Ebola is not available for travelers. For humanitarian missions, consultation with a  travel medicine specialist is recommended to assess vaccinations options (Ebola vaccination is available at the University Hospital in Geneva).

While in the outbreak area and for 21 days after leaving:

• Watch for symptoms.
  
• Follow quarantine requirements by your local health authorities if applicable.
  

In case of symptoms such as fever >38° C, headache, diarrhea, bleeding symptoms etc. during travel and until 21 days after being in the affected area: 

• Separate yourself from others (isolate) immediately.
  
• Do not travel.
  
• Contact by phone local health authorities or a healthcare facility for advice (e.g. tropical institute or university hospital infectious disease unit) Always state that you may have had a possible exposure to Ebola (incubation period: 2-21 days). 

Follow local media and local health authority advice. Prevention measures should be followed during a stay in countries where mpox is endemic/epidemic (see also Factsheet Mpox).

General precautions (most important preventive measure!)

• Worldwide:
  
  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have or may have mpox or people who have a rash (e.g., pimples, blisters, scabs).
    
  • Wash your hands often with soap + water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
    
  • Avoid touching potentially contaminated personal items such as bedding/clothing, towels or sharing eating utensils/cups, food or drink with a person who has, or may have mpox.
    
  • Avoid sex with sick persons; use of condoms for up to 12 weeks if your sexual partner have had mpox.
    
  • Follow advice of local authorities.

• When travelling to endemic / epidemic areas in Africa, in addition to above mentioned general precautions:
  
  • Avoid contact with animals in areas where mpox regularly occurs.
    
  • Avoid eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat) or using products (creams, lotions, powders) derived from wild animals.

Vaccination

Recommendation of the Swiss Expert for Travel Medicine as of 23 June 2025:

1. Staying or travelling in African countries with mpox clade I and clade II outbreaks (see news):
Vaccination against mpox should only be considered for individuals at high risk and for whom proper implementation of the above general precautions is not possible (risk evaluation / consultation of a specialist in travel medicine is recommended!). High-risk situations are considered such as:

• Health care and humanitarian work, including research or laboratory work
  
• Working with animals
  
• Commercial sex or multiple sexual partners
  

2. Staying in countries with mpox clade IIb sublineage B.1 (outside of Africa) in case of:

• Increased risk (e.g. laboratory workers handling mpox virus, men who have sex with men, trans-persons with multiple sexual partners), see Swiss recommendations: see LINK.

The available vaccine against mpox (e.g. Jynneos®) is also effective against clade I. This vaccine is considered safe and highly effective in preventing severe mpox disease.

In case of symptoms:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
  

If you are diagnosed with mpox:

• Please stay at home (isolate yourself) until your mpox rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed. Staying away from other people and not sharing things you have touched with others will help prevent the spread of mpox. People with mpox should regularly clean and disinfect the spaces they use to limit household contamination.
  
• Wash your hands often with soap / water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  
• You should not have sex while while you have lesions or symptoms. Use condoms for 12 weeks after infection. This is a precaution to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to a partner.
  
• For more information on what do if you are sick, see CDC LINK.
  

For clinicians:

• Consider mpox as a possible diagnosis in patients with epidemiologic characteristics and lesions or other clinical signs and symptoms consistent with mpox. This includes persons who have been in DRC or, due to the demonstrated risks of regional spread, any of its neighboring countries in the previous 21 days.
• Further information on clinical management and infection control for mpox (see WHO living guideline) and CDC LINK.

Vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo® or Menquadfi ®) is recommended:

• During epidemics or alerts, vaccination is recommended for stays > 7 days or in the case of close contact with the local population.
  

If no alert or epidemic is reported, vaccination is recommended for travel to the ‘meningitis belt’ during the dry season (typically occurring from December to June) across sub-Saharan Africa if:

• Travelling for >30 days or
  
• For shorter stays, depending on the individual risk (e.g. close personal contacts, work in health care facilities, stay in heavily occupied accommodation, risk of epidemics).

In addition, ensure all patients with an indication for pneumococcal vaccination are vaccinated according to the Swiss vaccination plan.

Follow local media and local health authority advice. Prevention measures should be followed during a stay in countries where mpox is endemic/epidemic (see also Factsheet Mpox).

General precautions

• Worldwide:
  
  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have or may have mpox or people who have a rash (e.g., pimples, blisters, scabs).
    
  • Wash your hands often with soap + water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
    
  • Avoid touching potentially contaminated personal items such as bedding/clothing, towels or sharing eating utensils/cups, food or drink with a person who has, or may have mpox.
    
  • Avoid sex with sick persons; use of condoms for up to 12 weeks if you sexual partner have had mpox.
    
  • Follow advice of local authorities.

• When travelling to endemic / epidemic areas in Africa, in addition to above mentioned general precautions:
  
  • Avoid contact with animals in areas where mpox regularly occurs.
    
  • Avoid eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat) or using products (creams, lotions, powders) derived from wild animals.
    

Vaccination

A vaccination against mpox is available (Jynneos®, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic). The Swiss Expert for Travel Medicine recommends vaccination against mpox in following situations, as of  3 October 2024 (the recommendation will be updated regularly depending on the development of the outbreak):

1.     People staying or travelling to Province Equateur and / or Eastern D.R. Congo (South/North Kivu) and / or Burundi in case of:

• Clinical, research or laboratory work
  
• Working with animals
  (a broader indication is still under discussion)
  

2.     People staying outside of Province Equateur and / or Eastern D.R. Congo (South/North Kivu) and / or Burundi (worldwide) in case of:

• Increased risk (e.g. laboratory workers handling mpox virus, men who have sex with men, trans-persons with multiple sexual partners), see Swiss recommendations: see Link.

At the present time, it is assumed that the available vaccine against mpox (e.g. Jynneos®) is also effective against clade I. This vaccine is considered safe and highly effective in preventing severe mpox disease.

In case of symptoms

• Seek medical attention immediately
  

If you are diagnosed with mpox:

• Please stay at home (isolate yourself) until your mpox rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed. Staying away from other people and not sharing things you have touched with others will help prevent the spread of mpox. People with mpox should regularly clean and disinfect the spaces they use to limit household contamination.
  
• Wash your hands often with soap / water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  
• You should not have sex while symptomatic and while you have lesions or symptoms. Use condoms for 12 weeks after infection. This is a precaution to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to a partner.
  
• For more information on what do if you are sick, see CDC LINK.
  

For clinicians:

• Consider mpox as a possible diagnosis in patients with epidemiologic characteristics and lesions or other clinical signs and symptoms consistent with mpox. This includes persons who have been in DRC or, due to the demonstrated risks of regional spread, any of its neighboring countries in the previous 21 days.

Further information on evaluation and diagnosis: see CDC LINK.

Vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo® or Nimenrix®) is recommended:

• During epidemics or alerts, vaccination is recommended for stays > 7 days or in the case of close contact with the population.

If no alert or epidemic is reported, vaccination is recommended for travel to the ‘meningitis belt’ during the dry season (typically occurring from December to June) across sub-Saharan Africa if

• Travelling for >30 days or
  
• For shorter stays, depending on the individual risk (e.g. close personal contacts, work in health care facilities, stay in heavily occupied accommodation, risk of epidemics).

Follow local media and local health authority advice. The following prevention measures should be followed during a stay in countries where mpox is endemic/epidemic (see also Factsheet Mpox).

General precautions

• Worldwide:
  
  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have or may have mpox or people who have a rash (e.g., pimples, blisters, scabs).
    
  • Wash your hands often with soap + water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
    
  • Avoid touching potentially contaminated personal items such as bedding/clothing, towels or sharing eating utensils/cups, food or drink with a person who has, or may have mpox.
    
  • Avoid sex with sick persons; use of condoms for up to 12 weeks if you sexual partner have had mpox.
    
  • Follow advice of local authorities.
  
  

• When travelling to endemic / epidemic areas in Africa, in addition to above mentioned general precautions:
  
  • Avoid contact with and animals in areas where mpox regularly occurs.
  • Avoid eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat) or using products (creams, lotions, powders) derived from wild animals. 

   

Vaccination
A vaccination against mpox is available (Jynneos®, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic). The Swiss Expert for Travel Medicine recommends vaccination against mpox in following situations, as of  3 October 2024 (the recommendation will be updated regularly depending on the development of the outbreak):

1. People staying or travelling to Province Equateur and / or Eastern D.R. Congo (South/North Kivu) and / or Burundi in case of:

• Clinical, research or laboratory work
  
• Working with animals
  (a broader indication is still under discussion)

2. People staying outside of Province Equateur and / or Eastern D.R. Congo (South/North Kivu) and / or Burundi (worldwide) in case of:

• Increased risk (e.g. laboratory workers handling mpox virus, men who have sex with men, trans-persons with multiple sexual partners), see Swiss recommendations: see Link.

At the present time, it is assumed that the available vaccine against mpox (e.g. Jynneos®) is also effective against clade I. This vaccine is considered safe and highly effective in preventing severe mpox disease.

In case of symptoms

• Seek medical attention immediately

If you are diagnosed with mpox:

• Please stay at home (isolate yourself) until your mpox rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed. Staying away from other people and not sharing things you have touched with others will help prevent the spread of mpox.
• People with mpox should regularly clean and disinfect the spaces they use to limit household contamination.
  Wash your hands often with soap /water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  
• You should not have sex while symptomatic and while you have lesions or symptoms. Use condoms for 12 weeks after infection. This is a precaution to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to a partner.
  
• For more information on what do if you are sick, see CDC LINK.

For clinicians:

• Consider mpox as a possible diagnosis in patients with epidemiologic characteristics and lesions or other clinical signs and symptoms consistent with mpox. This includes persons who have been in DRC or, due to the demonstrated risks of regional spread, any of its neighboring countries in the previous 21 days.
• Further information on evaluation and diagnosis: see CDC LINK.

Vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo® or Nimenrix®) is recommended:

• During epidemics or alerts, vaccination is recommended for stays > 7 days or in the case of close contact with the population.
  

If no alert or epidemic is reported, vaccination is recommended for travel to the ‘meningitis belt’ during the dry season (typically occurring from December to June) across sub-Saharan Africa if

• Travelling for >30 days or
• For shorter stays, depending on the individual risk (e.g. close personal contacts, work in health care facilities, stay in heavily occupied accommodation, risk of epidemics).

Follow local media and local health authority advice. The following prevention measures should be followed during a stay in countries where mpox is endemic/epidemic:

General precautions:

• Refrain from sexual or other close contact with people who are sick with signs and symptoms of mpox, including those with skin lesions or genital lesions.
• Avoid contact with wild animals (alive or dead) in areas where mpox regularly occurs.
• Avoid contact with contaminated materials used by people who are sick (such as clothing, bedding, or materials used in healthcare settings) or that came into contact with wild animals.
  
• Avoid eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat) or using products (creams, lotions, powders) derived from wild animals.
  
• Avoid sex with sick persons and use of condoms for up to 12 weeks after the convalescence of the sexual partner.

People staying or travelling to Eastern D.R. Congo and Burundi in case of:

• Clinical or research or laboratory work
  
• Working with animals
• (of note: broader indication is under discussion)

People staying outside of Eastern D.R. Congo and Burundi (worldwide) in case of

• Increase risk (e.g. laboratory workers handling mpox virus, men who have sex with men or trans-persons with multiple sexual partners), see Swiss recommendations: see Link.

At the present time, it is assumed that the available vaccine (Jynneos®) is also effective against the new clade I. This vaccine is considered safe and highly effective in preventing severe mpox disease.

In case of symptoms:

• Seek medical attention immediately

If you are diagnosed with mpox:

• Please stay at home (isolate yourself) until your mpox rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed. Staying away from other people and not sharing things you have touched with others will help prevent the spread of mpox. People with mpox should regularly clean and disinfect the spaces they use to limit household contamination.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Youshould not have sex while symptomatic and while you have lesions or symptoms. Use condoms for 12 weeks after infection. This is a precaution to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to a partner.
• For more information: see Factsheet Mpox.

For clinicians:

• Consider mpox as a possible diagnosis in patients with epidemiologic characteristics and lesions or other clinical signs and symptoms consistent with mpox. This includes persons who have been in DRC or, due to the demonstrated risks of regional spread, any of its neighboring countries (ROC, CAR, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Zambia, Angola, Tanzania, and South Sudan) in the previous 21 days.
  
• Further information on Evaluation and Diagnosis: see CDC LINK.

Travelers are usually at low risk of contracting Ebola if you follow these precautions:

• Avoid contact with infected/deceased persons or their body fluids, and all wild animals, alive or dead.
  
• Avoid handling or eating bush/game meat.
  
• Wash and peel fruits and vegetables before eating.
  
• Wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water (or use a sanitizer if soap is not available).
  
• Practice safe sex (using barrier contraception).
  

Vaccination against Ebola is not available to travelers. For humanitarian missions, it is recommended to consult a travel medicine specialist to discuss the possibilities of vaccination (available at HUG Geneva).

In case of symptoms of illness (fever >38° C, headache, diarrhea, bleeding symptoms, etc.) during travel until 21 days after being in the affected area:

• Isolate yourself and immediately contact the in-country hotline by phone or contact a tropical institute or university hospital infectious disease unit.
• Always state that you may have had a possible exposure to Ebola. Incubation period: 2-21 days. ECDC case definition of a suspected Ebola case.

Follow local media and local health authority advice.

The following prevention measures should be followed during a stay in countries where mpox is endemic/epidemic:

General precautions:

• Refrain from sexual or other close contact with people who are sick with signs and symptoms of mpox, including those with skin lesions or genital lesions.
• Avoid contact with wild animals (alive or dead) in areas where mpox regularly occurs.
  
• Avoiding contact with contaminated materials used by people who are sick (such as clothing, bedding, or materials used in healthcare settings) or that came into contact with wild animals.
• Avoid eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat) or using products (creams, lotions, powders) derived from wild animals.
  
• Avoid sex with sick persons and use of condoms for up to 12 weeks after the convalescence of the sexual partner.

A vaccination against mpox is available (Jynneos®, manufacture Bavarian Nordic). There is an increased demand worldwide with risk of vaccine shortage. The Swiss Expert for Travel Medicine recommends vaccination against mpox in following situations, status 16 August 2024 (the recommendation will be updated regularly depending on the development of the outbreak):

1. People staying or travelling to Eastern D.R. Congo and Burundi in case of:

• Clinical or research or laboratory work
  
• Working with animals
  

2. People staying outside of Eastern D.R. Congo and Burundi (worldwide) in case of:

• Increase risk (e.g. laboratory workers handling mpox virus, men who have sex with men or trans-persons with multiple sexual partners), see Swiss recommendations: see Link.
  

At the present time, it is assumed that the available vaccine (Jynneos®) is also effective against the new clade I. This vaccine is considered safe and highly effective in preventing severe Mpox disease.

In case of symptoms:

• Please stay at home (isolate) until your mpox rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed. Staying away from other people and not sharing things you have touched with others will help prevent the spread of mpox. People with mpox should clean and disinfect the spaces they occupy regularly to limit household contamination.
• Wash hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
• You should not have sex while symptomatic and while lesions are present. Use condoms for 12 weeks after infection. This is a precaution to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to a partner.
• Further information on what do if you are sick, see CDC LINK.

For clinicians:

• Consider mpox as a possible diagnosis in patients with epidemiologic characteristics and lesions or other clinical signs and symptoms consistent with mpox. This includes persons who have been in DRC or, due to the demonstrated risks of regional spread, any of its neighboring countries (ROC, CAR, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Zambia, Angola, Tanzania, and South Sudan) in the previous 21 days.
  
• Further information on Evaluation and Diagnosis: see CDC LINK.

The European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) has issued a risk assessment on 16 August 2024 with specific advice, for details see LINK.

Prevention: Good personal hygiene. Avoid close contact with sick people, including those with skin lesions or genital lesions. Avoid contact with sick animals. Avoid contact with contaminated materials used by sick people. Safer sex is recommended to prevent other sexually transmitted diseases. Do not eat bush meat.

Vaccination against Mpox is available and recommended for people at increased risk. Talk to your doctor about whether such a vaccination is recommended for you. Swiss recommendations: see LINK.

In case of symptoms: If you are diagnosed with Mpox, you should not have sex while you have symptoms and lesions. Use condoms for 12 weeks after infection. This is a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Formally, D.R. Congo thus falls under the WHO temporary polio vaccination recommendations category 1 ("States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk of international spread"), but the official WHO declaration is still pending:

• Persons staying in the country for > 4 weeks must have received a polio booster vaccination (IPV) with documentation in the international vaccination certificate at the time of departure, which must not be older than 12 months. This is important to prevent the spread of poliomyelitis virus from the country and can be checked upon departure.
• Stays < 4 weeks: In addition to the basic immunization against polio, a booster vaccination is recommended every 10 years (recommendation of the Swiss expert Committee for Travel Medicine (ECTM).

Travelers are usually at low risk of contracting Ebola if you follow these precautions:

• Avoid contact with infected/deceased persons or their body fluids, and all wild animals, alive and dead.
  
• Avoid handling or eating bush/wild meat.
  
• Wash and peel fruits and vegetables before eating.
  
• Wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water (or use a sanitizer if soap is not available).
  
• Practice safe sex, see LINK.
  

Vaccination against Ebola is not available to travelers.
For humanitarian missions, it is recommended to consult a travel medicine specialist.
If you have symptoms of illness (fever >38 °C, headache, diarrhea, bleeding symptoms, etc.) during travel until 21 days after being in the affected area: Isolate yourself and immediately contact the in-country hotline by phone or contact a tropical institute or university hospital infectious disease unit. Always state that you may have had an exposure to Ebola.

• Yellow fever occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and South America and is transmitted by mosquitoes.
• Disease may be severe in unvaccinated travelers and death may occur in over 50%.
• A highly effective vaccine is available.
• Due to potentially severe side effects the vaccine is used with caution in immunocompromised or elderly individuals, as well as in pregnant women.

As against all mosquito-borne diseases, prevention from mosquito bites is during day and night (see “Insect and tick bite protection” factsheet). The available vaccine is highly efficacious and provides a long-term protection. It is recommended for people aged 9 months or older who are travelling to yellow fever endemic areas. In addition, providing proof of vaccination may be mandatory for entry into certain countries.

The vaccine is a live-attenuated form of the virus. In immunocompetent persons, protection starts about 10 days after the first vaccination. Reactions to yellow fever vaccine are generally mild and include headache, muscle aches, and low-grade fevers.  Side effects can be treated with paracetamol but aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example ibuprofen or naproxen, should be avoided.  On extremely rare occasions, people may develop severe, sometimes life-threatening reactions to the yellow fever vaccine – which is why this vaccine is used with caution in immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women and the elderly for safety reasons. Talk to your travel health advisor if you belong to this group.

• Yellow Fever Map - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/maps/index.html
  
• Yellow Fever Info - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/index.html
  
• Yellow Fever Info - European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/yellow-fever/facts

• 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 occurs worldwide, but the risk of infection is higher in countries with poor hygiene conditions. There is an increased risk in most tropical and subtropical countries as well as in some countries in Eastern Europe and around the Mediterranean. Outbreaks in northern European countries can also occur when unvaccinated children become infected during family visits to tropical and subtropical countries and transmit the virus in their care facilities on their return.

In recent years, there has also been an increase in cases in North America and Europe, including Switzerland, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM).

There is a safe and very effective vaccine that consists of two injections at least 6 months apart. It offers lifelong protection after the second dose. The hepatitis A vaccination can also be administered in combination with the hepatitis B vaccination (3 doses required if given to persons 16 years and older).

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for all travellers to risk areas and for people with an increased personal risk, such as people with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men and people with an increased occupational risk, such as in the health service or in contact with waste water.

• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Hepatitis A
  
• Hepatitis Switzerland
   

• Rabies is mainly transmitted by dogs (and bats), but any mammal can be infectious.
• The disease is invariably fatal at the time when symptoms occur.
• Rabies is best prevented by a pre-travel vaccination and appropriate behavior towards mammals (avoiding contacts).
• Pre-travel vaccination (see section prevention) is also recommended because vaccines and immunoglobulins are often not available in many travel countries.  
• Attention: a bite or a scratch wound as well as a contact with mammal saliva on an open wound is always an emergency! Find out about the necessary actions below!

No treatment against rabies disease exists!

Post-exposure measures: clean the wound immediately with plenty of water and soap for 10-15 minutes, then disinfect the wound (e.g. Betadine®, Merfen®), and immediately (i.e. during the trip!) get emergency post-exposure vaccination against rabies: 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 and should be administered as soon as possible on site (i.e. also while travelling). If full pre-exposure vaccination has not been given, in addition to vaccination, passive immunization is required with immunoglobulins within the shortest delay on site.

Of note, immunoglobins (and sometimes vaccines) are often unavailable in low-resource settings, causing stress and uncertainty. Tetanus booster vaccination may be also warranted.

Petting any mammals while travelling is not a good idea, even if they are cute! Do not feed them! Refrain from touching wild or unfamiliar or dead animals. 

Vaccination against rabies (preexposure vaccination) is recommended for most travellers, and is particulary recommended for:

• Repeated travels or long-term stay in endemic countries.
  
• Short journeys with high individual risk, especially for travellers on ‘two wheels’ or treks in remote areas, toddlers and children.
  
• Persons, working with animals, or cave explorers (bats!).
  

The shortened vaccination schedule can be proposed to most travellers: 2 doses given at least 7 days apart before departure. A single lifetime booster dose (3rd dose) is recommended after one year or later when further travelling to rabies endemic countries is undertaken. If you have an immune deficiency, please consult your doctor, as different vaccination intervals apply to you.

• In case of trips planned, schedule a visit at the travel clinic 4 weeks before departure at the latest. But if it's really urgent, an appointment 10 days before departure will suffice.
  
• After exposure (bite, scratch injury): seek medical attention immediately (meaning even during travel!) to get wound treatment and postexposure vaccinations against rabies! This is also necessary even for those with a completed series of basic vaccinations before travel!
• This information leaflet should be printed and kept handy during the trip!

• FOPH Switzerland: LINK

• 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).

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.

• WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/poliomyelitis
• FOPH Switzerland: Swiss vaccination plan: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/de/home/gesund-leben/gesundheitsfoerderung-und-praevention/impfungen-prophylaxe/schweizerischer-impfplan.html

• Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by a virus.
• The virus is transmitted through sexual contact, but can also be transmitted through blood (products), e.g. when sharing syringes, tattoo needles, etc.
• There is a safe and very effective vaccine that offers long-lasting protection.
• The hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants and adolescents up to the age of 16 and for risk groups regardless of age. 

• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Hepatitis B:
  https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/krankheiten-im-ueberblick/hepatitis-b.html
  
• Hepatitis Switzerland: https://en.hepatitis-schweiz.ch/all-about-hepatitis/hepatitis-b/

• Chikungunya fever is a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes. 
• The disease typically manifests itself with fever and severe joint pain in the hands and feet, which can last for weeks to months in some patients.
• Chikungunya fever can be prevented by protecting yourself from mosquito bites.
  

The infection may cause some or all of the following symptoms: sudden onset of high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, joint swelling, rash. The rash usually appears after the onset of the fever and usually affects the trunk and extremities. The joint pain and swelling usually occur symmetrically on both sides and mainly affect the hands and feet - but larger joints such as the knees or shoulders can also be affected. The intense joint pain can be very debilitating for those affected.

Around 5 - 10 % of those infected have persistent severe joint and limb pain even after the fever has subsided, which in some cases lasts for several months or, although rarely, even years.

Preventive measures against mosquito bites during the day: Apply mosquito repellent to uncovered skin; wear long clothing; treat clothing with insecticide. For more information, see the information sheet "Protection against insect and tick bites". Another very important protective factor is so-called 'environmental hygiene': breeding sites for mosquitoes in the immediate vicinity of human dwellings should be avoided by removing all forms of containers with water (e.g. flowerpot saucers, uncovered water containers, etc.).

Vaccination: A chikungunya vaccine (VIMKUNYA®) is licensed in Switzerland. The Swiss Expert Committee on Travel Medicine has issued a vaccination recommendation for travellers, see LINK.

• BAG Switzerland EN
• WHO - Chikungunya information sheet EN
  
• Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) EN
  
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) EN

• Dengue fever is the world's most common insect-borne infectious disease.
  
• Great attention should be paid to mosquito protection (day-biting mosquito)!
  
• The disease can cause high fever, muscle and joint pain, and skin rash. In rare cases, bleeding may occur.
  
• There is no specific treatment. Vaccination is recommended only for persons with evidence of previous dengue infection.
  
• For personal safety, we strongly recommend that you inform yourself in detail about dengue.

In 3 out of 4 cases, an infection with the virus remains asymptomatic. After a short incubation period (5-8 days), 1 out of 4 infected people present an abrupt onset of fever, headache, joint, limb and muscle pain, as well as nausea and vomiting. Painful eye movement is also typical. A rash may appear on the 3rd or 4th day of illness. After 4 to 7 days, the fever subsides but fatigue may persist for several days or weeks.

In rare cases, severe dengue can occur. Particularly susceptible are local children and seniors, as well as people who have experienced a prior dengue infection. Tourists very rarely present with severe dengue. In the first days, severe disease resembles the course of classic dengue fever, then on the 4th/5th day, and usually after the fever has subsided, the condition worsens. Blood pressure drops, and patients complain of shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort, nosebleeds, and mild skin or mucosal hemorrhages. In the most severe cases, life-threatening shock may occur.

There is no specific treatment for dengue virus infection. Treatment is limited to mitigation and monitoring of symptoms: fever reduction, relief of eye, back, muscle and joint pain, and monitoring of blood clotting and blood volume. Patients with severe symptoms must be hospitalized.

For the reduction of fever or pain, remedies with the active ingredient paracetamol or acetaminophen are recommended (e.g. Acetalgin® Dafalgan®). Drugs containing the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin®, Alcacyl®, Aspégic®) must be avoided.

Effective mosquito protection during the day and especially during twilight hours (i.e. sunset) is the best preventive measure:

1. Clothing: Wear well-covering, long-sleeved clothing and long trousers, and treat clothing with insecticide beforehand.
   
2. Mosquito repellent: Apply a mosquito repellent to uncovered skin several times a day.
   
3. Environmental hygiene: Do not leave containers with standing water (coasters for flower pots, etc.) in your environment to avoid mosquito breeding sites.
   

For further information, please refer to the factsheet on "Mosquito and tick bite protection".

Note on the dengue vaccine Qdenga®:

• Based on the data available, many European countries, as well as the Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine (ECTM), currently recommend vaccination with Qdenga® only for travelers who have evidence of a previous dengue infection and who will be exposed in a region with significant dengue transmission, for details see LINK. A consultation with a specialist in tropical and travel medicine is recommended.
  
• About 1 in 4 vaccinated persons experience malaise and fever for a few days about 1-2 weeks after vaccination.
  

Consistent mosquito protection during the day (see above) is still considered the most important preventive measure against dengue!

• Do not take any products containing the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin®, Alcacyl®, Aspégic®) if you have symptoms, as they increase the risk of bleeding in the event of a dengue infection!
• However, do not stop taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid if it is already part of your regular treatment for an underlying condition.

• Vaccination against Dengue fever for travellers – Statement of the Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine, an organ of the Swiss Society for Tropical and Travel Medicine, July 2024, LINK.
• Dengue Map (Center for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/images/areaswithrisk/Dengue-World-Map.jpg 
• Tigermücke, SwissTPH
• www.tiger-platform.eu

• 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.

“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.

• Invasive Meningococcal disease (IMD) is a very severe, life threatening bacterial infection that can lead to death within a few hours if untreated.
• Transmission occurs from person to person by droplets. The risk is higher for travelers to regions with seasonal epidemics (meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa).
• The disease can be prevented by vaccination with a four-valent meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) and protection lasts for at least 5 years.

Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is recommended in Switzerland as a complementary vaccination for children between 1 – 4 years and for adolescents between 11 – 19 years. Furthermore, it is recommended as a risk group vaccination for persons with certain medical conditions, for persons with close contact to a patient with meningococcal disease and for travelers to endemic areas.

For more detailed information on the disease and Swiss national recommendations (in German, French, Italian) see:

• https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/de/home/krankheiten/krankheiten-im-ueberblick/meningokokken-erkrankungen.html or
• https://www.infovac.ch/de/impfunge/nach-krankheiten-geordnet/meningokokken 

Regions: entire country.

Prevention: mosquito bite prevention and chemoprophylaxis.
Discuss appropriate chemoprophylaxis with a travel health advisor.

• Malaria is a life-threatening infection transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly at night.
• Always protect yourself well against mosquito bites – malaria is transmitted between dusk and dawn.
• In areas with a high risk of malaria, you are also very strongly advised to take preventive medication.
• For stays in areas with moderate risk, consult a travel medicine specialist to find out whether you should carry emergency medication for self-treatment of malaria.
• Particular caution is advised for pregnant women, small children, elderly people and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems: be sure to seek medical advice before travelling!
• Carry with you a thermometer that works!
• Fever? If your temperature is above 37.5°C (measured under the armpit or in the ear), go to a doctor or clinic immediately and have a malaria test done – even if you have taken preventive medication.
• Make sure to be well-informed about malaria and read the information below.

Several measures should be combined to protect against malaria:

1. Mosquito repellent is crucial – especially from evening until dawn. This applies in all malaria areas, even where the risk is low. Protection against mosquito bites also helps during the day against other insect-borne diseases that may occur in the same regions! (see also information sheet "Protection against insect and tick bites"):

• Clothing: Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing and long trousers, and treat them in advance with an insecticide (ingredient: permethrin, e.g. contained in Nobite® for clothing).
  
• Insect repellents: Apply insect repellents to all exposed skin.
• Sleeping area: Sleep in air-conditioned rooms or under a treated (with insecticide) mosquito net with the windows closed. Use mosquito sprays with immediate effect (knock-down effect) indoors with caution and according to the manufacturer's instructions, and mosquito coils only outdoors (e.g. in the evening under a table).

2. Medicinal prophylaxis: In high-risk areas (marked in red or hatched in red on our maps), additional medicinal malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Take this with food before, during and after your trip. Consult a travel medicine specialist to find out which medication and dosage is suitable for you.

3. Emergency self-treatment (standby therapy): For special risk situations – stays in regions with moderate malaria risk and where medical care is limited or uncertain – it is recommended that you carry emergency medication for self-treatment, i.e. medication that you can take yourself if you develop a fever and no medical help and therefore no malaria testing is available in the short term. However, after taking emergency medication, you must still seek medical help as soon as possible. Before travelling, discuss with a travel medicine specialist whether it is advisable for you to take emergency medication with you.

4. Special risk groups: Malaria can become dangerous very quickly for some people. These include pregnant women, young children, older people and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems. If you belong to a risk group, you should definitely consult a travel medicine specialist before your planned trip. The specialist can determine whether you should take malaria prophylaxis medication – this may also be advisable for areas with a moderate risk of malaria.

There is currently no malaria vaccination available for travellers.

• Do not forget to carry with you a thermometer that works!
• Malaria symptoms appear at the earliest 7 days after arrival in the malaria area.
• A temperature > 37.5°C in a malaria area or after staying in a malaria area always means suspected malaria and is an emergency!

• If you develop a fever within a month (in rare cases even several months) of your stay in a malaria area:
  • Seek immediate medical attention from a doctor or clinic to rule out malaria by means of a blood test.
  • Testing for malaria should ideally be done within 24 hours, but no later than 48 hours after the onset of fever – regardless of whether you have taken preventive malaria medication or not!
  • If the fever persists, malaria can only be reliably ruled out after three consecutive days of negative test results!

• For people who have visited a malaria area with moderate risk and who have been prescribed emergency self-treatment (standby therapy), the following applies:
  • If you have a fever: try to get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
  • If testing is not possible and the fever persists for more than 24 hours or recurs: take the emergency malaria medication according to the package insert.
  • Even after/despite taking the emergency malaria medication: seek medical attention as soon as possible and have the cause of the fever investigated.

• Zika is a usually mild viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that bite during the day.
• Infection during pregnancy (any time) can cause fetal malformation.
• In areas with increased risk of Zika transmission, pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy should take extra precautions: please see the information below.

Zika symptoms can resemble those of malaria, which requires urgent treatment, or other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue. Therefore: If you have a fever, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis! Treatment for Zika targets reduction of fever and joint pain (with paracetamol). Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) as long as dengue fever is not excluded. There is no vaccine available.

If pregnant and experiencing fever during or after returning from a Zika virus transmission area, blood and/or urine tests are recommended. If Zika infection is confirmed, medical management should be coordinated with a gynecologist and specialists in infectious or travel medicine.

• Travelling in pregnancy poses an increased risk for the mother and the baby for mosquito-transmitted diseases. Please refer to the pregnancy factsheet.
• Always protect yourself from mosquito bites during the day and early evening, see factsheet mosquito-bite prevention.
• If traveling in an area with increased risk of Zika transmission (see areas in Zika Health Travel Notice):
  • If you are pregnant: women at any stage of pregnancy should reconsider their travel plans. If travel is essential, consult a travel medicine specialist before departure.
  • If your partner is pregnant: use condoms throughout pregnancy to prevent possible sexual transmission of Zika.
  • If you or your partner is planning to become pregnant:
    • Use condoms throughout your trip and for at least two months after returning home to prevent possible sexual transmission of Zika without symptoms.
    • You should wait at least 2 months after returning from an area with an increased risk of Zika transmission before getting pregnant.

• Zika virus infection during pregnancy (any trimester) can cause fetal malformation.
• For most up-to-date information on Zika epidemics (= increased risk of transmission), please see ‘Zika Travel Health Notices’ of the US Center of Disease and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html

• US Center of Disease Control and Prevention: Zika virus: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html
  
• European Center for Disease Control and Prevenion: Zika virus disease

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
    
    
• 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 

• Avoid bathing, washing, or walking in fresh water in areas endemic for schistosomiasis, also called bilharzia. 
• Seek medical evaluation from a travel or tropical medicine specialist, or from your general practitioner, no earlier than two months after any skin contact with freshwater during your trip.
• Specific diagnostic tests and an effective treatment are available, which can prevent long-term complications.

• If you come into contact with freshwater (see above) during a trip to an endemic country, you should see a tropical medicine specialist or your doctor for a blood test about two months after exposure – even if you have no symptoms – to rule out a Schistosoma infection.
• If symptoms or fever occur, consult a doctor immediately.