Beware of Mosquitos! In particular, please take care to avoid mosquitos when travelling overseas. The number of children born with microcephaly in Brazil has been increasing recently, and this is thought to be linked to the Zika virus. Further, there was an outbreak of dengue fever in Japan in the summer of 2014, for the first time in 70 years. In order to protect ourselves against these infectious diseases, it is important to take care to avoid mosquito bites, as well as reducing the mosquito population. It is particularly important that care is taken when visiting Brazil, the Philippines, and other countries with reported outbreaks. Zika Virus Infections Dengue Fever Symptoms Mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, etc. Incubation period: 2 to 12 days (around 2 to 7 days in most cases). 80% of those infected have no symptoms. When pregnant women are infected, the disease can spread to their unborn children, and may cause congenital disorders such as microcephaly. Sudden fever, headache, eye pain, muscle pain, joint pain, rash, etc. Incubation period: 2 to 15 days (around 3 to 7 days in most cases) Many of those infected have no symptoms. In very rare cases severe infections can cause bleeding, which can be fatal if left untreated. Risk Areas Africa, Central America, the Asia-Pacific Region In recent years, it has spread across South and Central America All tropical and subtropical regions Carrier Mosquitos Yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) (within Japan: Asian tiger mosquito) Treatment No specialized cure exists, but the symptoms can be treated (the prognosis is relatively good). Vaccine No vaccines have been developed. The current status of Zika and dengue fever outbreaks (as of 15 th March 2016) When going outside during the day... How should I protect myself? Aedes mosquitos are active during the daytime, and often bite people near thickets and trees. Keep as much skin covered as possible when outside during the day and protect yourself with bug sprays. Women who are/may be pregnant: If you are or may be pregnant, please avoid travelling to Zika risk areas. Men returning home from a risk area: The disease can be transmitted through sexual activity. If you have visited a risk area, and particularly if your partner is pregnant, always use a condom regardless of whether or not symptoms are present. Not all mosquitos carry the virus, so there is no need to panic if you are bitten. However, if you are worried about infection or develop a fever or other symptoms, please go through quarantine upon return to Japan. If you are worried about anything after you have returned to Japan, visit your local public health centre. What if I get bitten by a mosquito in a risk area? Cover your skin! (E.g. wear long- sleeved shirts and long trousers) Use bug spray! Health Centre Telephone Address Notes Gifu Health Centre 058-380-3002 1-1 Nakafudogaoka, Kakamigahara-shi ※Telephone interpreting is available at each health centre (Portuguese, Tagalog, Chinese, English). Interpreters can also be dispatched from Seino Prefectural Office (Portuguese), and Kamo Prefectural Office (Portuguese, Tagalog). Seino Health Centre 0584-73-1111 422-3 Ezaki-chō, Ogaki-shi Seki Health Centre 0575-33-4011 1612-2 Ikushi, Mino-shi Chūno Health Centre 0574-25-3111 2610-1 Ōwaki, Shimofurui, Furui-chō, Minokamo-shi Tōno Health Centre 0572-23-1111 568-1 Ueno-chō, Tajimi-shi Ena Health Centre 0573-26-1111 1067-71 Shōge, Osashima-chō, Ena-shi Hida Health Centre 0577-33-1111 7-468 Kamiokamoto-machi, Takayama-shi 英語