Can chlamydia come from koalas?

Koalas can have an infection commonly called chlamydia, but that infection is associated with koala health and is not the same as the sexually transmitted infection diagnosed in people. Everyday contact with a koala, its fur, urine, or faeces is not a recognised route for human chlamydia.

Human chlamydia may cause no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include painful urination, unusual vaginal discharge, or bleeding between periods. A symptom is not proof of chlamydia, and a chlamydia diagnosis cannot be made from symptoms alone.

If you have had sexual contact that could expose you to an STI, arrange an STI Screening appointment and describe the type of contact and when it happened. Testing may involve a urine sample or a swab, depending on the body sites involved.

If a test is positive, take the prescribed antibiotic treatment exactly as directed. Avoid sexual contact until the clinician says it is appropriate, and tell recent partners so they can receive advice and testing. Do not use leftover antibiotics.

Seek prompt medical care for pelvic pain, fever, pain during sex, or feeling unwell after possible exposure. These features can occur with pelvic inflammatory disease, which needs assessment and treatment. Urgent help is needed for severe or worsening pain, faintness, vomiting, or heavy bleeding.

Ask which tests fit the contact you had, whether partners need testing, when sexual contact can safely resume, and whether symptoms such as painful urination or unusual discharge need another explanation.