An outbreak of the Zika virus has had devastating consequences for many people in South America and around the world. Just ask Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez, who battled the mosquito-borne disease this past offseason.
Rodriguez contracted the virus in his native Venezuela, and he told ESPN.com just how serious the illness can be. The 34-year-old said he was confined to his bed for two weeks with joint pain, head and body aches and a host of other symptoms.
MORE: Portraits of U.S. Olympic athletes
"It wasn't a cold. A cold you have a sneeze, have a headache, take a couple Tylenol, and you're done," Rodriguez said.