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Outbreaks of infectious disease can occur suddenly or build slowly over time, and global health experts say the heightened sense of awareness they cause is warranted. Travelers to other countries where such diseases are active are encouraged to take all available precautions.
Currently making international headlines is the Zika virus — transmitted by mosquito bites— that generally causes flu-like symptoms, fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis; it is being investigated for its role in increased incidence of microcephaly in Brazil, and pregnant women are encouraged to delay travel to any areas in which cases are reported.
Specifically, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is issuing travel warnings for areas in the Caribbean, Mexico Central and South America at this time, and updated advisories are available on its site.
UAB's David Freedman, M.D., a professor of infectious diseases and a leading expert on international medicine and emerging diseases, discusses the Zika virus in this video, touching on who is at risk, how to prevent infection and the likelihood of a U. S. outbreak.
No Zika vaccine is available at this time, and all travelers to affected countries are encouraged to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and fully covering skin with clothing.
General reminders
Travelers to affected areas should exercise caution and also be mindful when traveling abroad to familiarize themselves with any potential threats, including airborne diseases, such as influenza, and those transmitted by insects, such as West Nile virus, dengue fever and chikungunya.
Planning for good health on an international trip is as important as carrying your passport, and a number of resources are available to help keep UAB employees safe:
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Review UAB’s International Travel Guidelines for employees. These enable employees to undertake international travel safely and within the policies and procedures established by the university and by regulatory authorities. It contains contact information for many resources that may be needed before, during and following travel. Additional resources are available from the U.S. State Department.
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Get a pre-flight check. UAB’s Travelers Health Clinic, located in UAB Highlands, can provide the best preventive measures. Schedule an appointment by calling UAB HealthFinder at 1-800-UAB-8816.
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Immunizations are available. The Travelers Health Clinic can provide all pre-travel immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
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Post-travel check up. If you show symptoms of infection from a disease following international travel, see a doctor immediately. UAB Travel Medicine physicians are on call 24 hours a day to assess and treat exotic diseases in patients following travel.