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Directors of WHO and PAHO met with Brazilian President to discuss the response to zika Washington, DC, February 23, 2016 (PAHO / WHO) - The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Margaret Chan, and the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Carissa F. Etienne , met yesterday with the president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff and Brazilian authorities to learn about the actions taken by Brazil in response to infection by the virus Zika. In a media briefing, Chan said she had never seen such a large community mobilization involving all sectors of society as was taking place in Brazil. She also indicated that the Brazilian government has been transparent in sharing information with WHO, allowing work on this issue together with the rest of the world. Chan also praised "the speed, reliability and courage" that the country is taking to address this challenge. She stressed the importance of control of "the formidable enemy" Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that transmits zika, dengue and chikungunya. "Two thirds of mosquitoes grow at home. So every family, every community member has a role to contribute to this fight against Zika infection in this country. The government will do its utmost but we need you to work together with the government in the fight." Brazil, with support from PAHO / WHO, is working constantly to make sure the country is safe in terms of health for athletes and visitors during the Olympics in August this year, Chan said. "The Zika virus is very tricky, tenacious and difficult, so is the Aedes aegypti mosquito. We should expect to see more cases. This will be a long journey but government commitment is commendable and we are here to support them so we can embark on this journey together. Based on what I have seen today and what I've heard, the mosquito is difficult but it cannot beat Brazil," Chan said. Chan and Etienne visited the National Center for Risk and Disaster Management (Cenad) for discussions with top cabinet members, including the ministers of health, national integration, defense, foreign affairs, social development and fight against hunger alleviation, as well as the secretary of government and the executive secretary of the Ministry of Education. As part of their assessment of actions taken by Brazil in response to Zika virus infection and its possible consequences, Chan and Etienne went to Recife, Pernambuco, to visit the Institute of Integrative Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), a clinical research center that is the National Referral Center for Mother and Child Care Programs. WHO Executive Director for Outbreaks and Health Emergencies Bruce Aylward accompanied them. Chan, Etienne and Castro scheduled a press conference on Wednesday Feb. 24, at 16:00 (Rio de Janeiro time) in Castelo de Mourisco, Room 117H, Av Brasil, 4365 -. Manguinhos - Rio de Janeiro (RJ). http://www.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11691%3Adirectors-paho-and-who-in-brazil-to-assess-zika-virus-response&catid=1443%3Aweb-bulletins&Itemid=135&lang=fr

Zika data collected by Brazil help other countries address the virus, says Margaret ChanJanuary 24, 2016 - The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) returned to praise the research and actions undertaken by Brazil in relation to zika virus and its possible consequences, during a press conference held on Wednesday (24), the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), in Rio de Janeiro. The Director-General of WHO, Margaret Chan, said that the data collected by Brazil and transparency of the country to share them help other countries address the virus. "This allows us to pass on this information to all Member States". The director of PAHO, Carissa F. Etienne, chimed in, adding that Brazil is an important laboratory to search for answers about what zika can cause. "The country has faced this epidemic and reported information that is used by everyone." Asked about the reason for the microcephaly outbreak in Brazil, Chan said the disease has many causes, but the evidence voided in Brazil point to virus infection. "The zika is guilty until proven innocent. Do not be surprised if we start to see cases of microcephaly in most countries. " According to her, Colombia is one of the sites being more closely monitored at this time. "They have a very good surveillance system. It is a country that will provide us with great information. " For the executive director of outbreaks and emergencies in health, Bruce Aylward, the situation currently experienced with zika has been more difficult than confronting Ebola, because of the dire consequences and uncertainties related to the virus. "We have learned along the way." He praised the speed, courage and scope of actions taken by the Brazilian government. "The world has a tremendous debt with Brazil. The country has the best information about what viruses can cause. And that because of the impressive work he has done. " During the visit to Fiocruz, the WHO's director general met projects for the development of new technologies to combat the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, diagnosis, prevention and treatment for diseasestransmitted by the vector. Earlier, Chan, Etienne and the Representative of PAHO / WHO in Brazil, Joaquín Molina, were with the Minister of Health, Marcelo Castro, in Integrative Medicine Institute Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Pernambuco.At the time, the directors of PAHO and WHO met the clinic and rehabilitation center IMIP, among other spaces. During the visit, they talked to health professionals and mothers of children with microcephaly. Olympics Asked about the Olympics 2016, Chan said that as the Aedes vector is seasonal, the month of August - drought and low temperatures - is characterized by a smaller population of the mosquito that transmits zika, dengue and chikungunya. In the heat, the vector develops faster and rain increases the amount of mosquito breeding sites. "Brazilian scientists point out that in August and September mosquito density is lower. If you add that the appropriate vector control measures, the Olympics will be pleasant for visitors and athletes. " Last Updated on Thursday, 25 February 2016 03:21 http://www.paho.org/bra/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5008:dados-sobre-zika-coletados-pelo-brasil-ajudam-outros-paises-a-enfrentarem-o-virus-diz-margaret-chan&Itemid=816

Zika and sexual transmissionOnline Q&A 25 February 2016 Can Zika be transmitted through sex? Possibly. Zika virus is primarily transmitted via the Aedes mosquito, but some cases of what appears to be transmission by sex have also been recorded. How can people protect themselves? All people who have been infected with Zika virus and their sexual partners – particularly pregnant women – should receive information about the risks of sexual transmission of Zika virus, contraceptive options and safer sexual practices. When feasible, they should have access to condoms and use them correctly and consistently. Women who have had unprotected sex and suspect they may be infected with the virus should be given access to emergency contraceptive services and counselling if they do not wish to become pregnant. Pregnant women’s sex partners living in or returning from areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur should practice safer sex or abstain (throughout the pregnancy). Zika virus causes no symptoms in most people. Does this fact affect this guidance? Yes, being asymptomatic is a complicating factor. Because most people who are infected with Zika virus show no symptoms, people living in areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur should consider adopting safer sexual practices or abstaining from sexual activity. In addition, people returning from areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur should adopt safer sexual practices or consider abstinence for at least four weeks after their return. Independently of the Zika virus outbreaks, WHO always recommends the use of safer sexual practices including correct and consistent use of condoms to prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. Zika virus has been found in semen. Should semen be tested routinely for Zika virus? WHO does not recommend routine semen testing to dectect Zika virus. http://who.int/features/qa/zika-sexual-transmission/en/

Czech Republic reports first two Zika casesThursday, February 25, 2016 2:39 a.m. CSTPRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech Republic has identified its first cases of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in two Czechs returning from separate trips to the Caribbean, Health Minister Svatopluk Nemecek said on Thursday. The World Health Organisation warned Wednesday that the Zika outbreak would likely worsen before any relief comes to the countries besieged by the virus. Zika has been linked to thousands of birth defects in Brazil. At least 34 countries, mostly in the Americas, have active Zika outbreaks and the virus is expected to spread. Brazil has been hit the hardest, followed by Colombia. Nemecek told reporters that the virus had been detected in a man returning from Martinique and in a woman who traveled to the Dominican Republic. Their conditions do not require hospitalization, he said. "This is not a case of an infection having spread in the Czech Republic. It is a disease brought from the areas where we recommended that people not travel," Nemecek said. The Czech authorities have recommended avoiding the most heavily affected countries, especially pregnant women and children. WHO declared the Zika outbreak linked to thousands of birth defects in Brazil an international health emergency on Feb. 1. Much remains unknown about Zika, including whether the virus actually causes microcephaly, a condition marked by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems. (Reporting by Robert Muller; Writing by Michael Kahn; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) http://whbl.com/news/articles/2016/feb/25/czech-health-officials-announce-countrys-first-zika-cases/

Czech Republic reports first two Zika casesThursday, February 25, 2016 2:39 a.m. CSTPRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech Republic has identified its first cases of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in two Czechs returning from separate trips to the Caribbean, Health Minister Svatopluk Nemecek said on Thursday. The World Health Organisation warned Wednesday that the Zika outbreak would likely worsen before any relief comes to the countries besieged by the virus. Zika has been linked to thousands of birth defects in Brazil. At least 34 countries, mostly in the Americas, have active Zika outbreaks and the virus is expected to spread. Brazil has been hit the hardest, followed by Colombia. Nemecek told reporters that the virus had been detected in a man returning from Martinique and in a woman who traveled to the Dominican Republic. Their conditions do not require hospitalization, he said. "This is not a case of an infection having spread in the Czech Republic. It is a disease brought from the areas where we recommended that people not travel," Nemecek said. The Czech authorities have recommended avoiding the most heavily affected countries, especially pregnant women and children. WHO declared the Zika outbreak linked to thousands of birth defects in Brazil an international health emergency on Feb. 1. Much remains unknown about Zika, including whether the virus actually causes microcephaly, a condition marked by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems. (Reporting by Robert Muller; Writing by Michael Kahn; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) http://whbl.com/news/articles/2016/feb/25/czech-health-officials-announce-countrys-first-zika-cases/

On 23 February 2016, the Department of Health (DH), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) notified WHO of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus. The patient, a resident of Hong Kong SAR, China, is a 60-year-old man with previously good health condition. On February 8, he developed symptoms and, on 11 February, consulted a private doctor. The patient was then admitted to hospital. His nasopharyngeal aspirate collected on 12 February initially tested negative for influenza A virus. On 15 February, the patient was discharged. On 23 February, re-testing of the sample taken on 12 February tested positive for influenza A (H7N9). He was re-admitted to hospital for isolation and is currently in stable condition. View the full article

On 13 February 2016, the National IHR Focal Point (IHR NFP) of Uruguay notified PAHO/WHO a case of dengue. The case is a 31-year-old female from Montevideo who developed fever and joint pain on 5 February. On 9 February, she sought medical attention and, on the same day, her samples were collected for laboratory testing. The samples tested positive for dengue by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The patient remained hospitalized for two days and, at discharge, was in good health conditions. The patient has no history of travel outside of Uruguay. View the full article

Between 6 and 16 February 2016, the National IHR Focal Point (NFP) of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) notified WHO of 3 additional cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (VDPV1). Neither of the two cases received oral polio vaccine (OPV). On 3 February 2016, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan reported that stool samples for both cases tested positive for type 1 circulating vaccine-derived polio virus (cVDPV1). There is no epidemiological link between the two cases.View the full article

Latest Facts and Advisories as of 2/24/2016Reported cases of Zika in New York City: 8 One of the eight cases was a pregnant woman;All cases contracted Zika while visiting other countries; andAll patients have recovered.

Between 15 and 16 February 2016, WHO was notified of the first autochthonous cases of Zika virus infection on the islands of Bonaire and Aruba. These islands are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and are situated in the southern part of the Caribbean region, just north of the Venezuelan coast. Aruba is an autonomous, self-governing constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands. On 15 February, the National IHR Focal Point (IHR NFP) for the Netherlands reported one case of Zika virus infection in Bonaire. The case was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on 12 February.View the full article

Venezuelans Are Almost Defenseless in the Face of Zika By Alicia Hernández February 19, 2016 | 3:35 pmNancy Pino should never have died of Guillain-Barré syndrome. When the 66-year-old Venezuelan first sought medical help after her legs began to feel numb in early January there was still plenty of time to save her. Even as the symptoms began spreading to her hands, and then the rest of her body, doctors said she would almost certainly have recovered with the right medication. The problem was that neither the clinic, nor the subsequent hospitals she went to, had the 45 daily doses she was told she needed. Her family went on a desperate search, even traveling to the city of Barquisimeto 225 miles from their home in Caracas, but they could only find enough for 15 doses. Related: Basic Medications and Breast Implants in Short Supply in Deepening Venezuela Crisis And with every passing day Pino's condition worsened. "She could not say a word during her last days," said Carlos González, a childhood friend who was close to the family throughout. "But we thought she understood us because she would make gestures with her eyes." Eventually Pino fell into a coma. She died on January 26, fifteen days after she first went to see a doctor. Guillain-Barré syndrome, often referred to as GBS, is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the nerves of its victims and causes creeping paralysis. Most patients eventually make a full recovery if they receive adequate treatment, usually injections of immunoglobulin that neutralize the unbalanced actions of the patient's own immune system. Suddenly, this very rare illness which tends to be triggered by a viral or bacterial infection, has become of major concern throughout Latin America. This is because doctors are noticing cases they suspect are linked to the Zika virus epidemic currently spreading through the continent via the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also carries Dengue Fever and Chikungunya. Those infected with Zika are often asymptomatic or suffer from only mild fever and discomfort. Related: Venezuelans at Risk as Country's Ailing Healthcare System Deteriorates The reason why the virus has been declared a global health threat by the World Health Organization, is the existence of evidence linking it to a hike in the number of babies born with abnormally small heads in Brazil. There is now also rising concern about a potential link with GBS that, unlike microcephaly, is already being noted in other countries beyond the epidemic's epicenter in Brazil. Venezuelans face a particularly worrying situation in the face of Zika, that appears to be spreading through the country very quickly. This is partly because of the limited amount of information provided to the public by the authorities about the virus, as well as the widespread distrust with which official data is usually seen. The country's economic crisis also ensures there are hardly any tests available to help determine the scale of the epidemic and the intensity of the risks. Chronic shortages of medication, insect repellent, and contraception, are also turning worry into terror for many. So far the data provided by Venezuelan officials on the Zika epidemic has been scant, sometimes contradictory, and always vague. President Nicolás Maduro said earlier this month that there were 5,221 cases of possible Zika infections in Venezuela, of which 319 were confirmed. He mentioned 68 "complications" but gave no details about what these were. Independent experts believe the number of infections is much higher. The Venezuelan Society of Public Health, a well-regarded medical NGO, estimates that the number of infections may be approaching half a million. So far the local authorities have reported eight deaths associated with Guillain-Barré this year, though local media has reported up to 22. In 2012, the autoimmune disorder reportedly killed 32 people in Venezuela. Related: Latin America Responds to the Zika Virus With Soldiers, Repellent, and Pregnancy Warnings Venezuelan doctors, meanwhile, say they are noticing the increase in their clinics. "Before, we would only have one or two reported cases [of GBS] for each 100,000 patients," Zolia Moros, from the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, told VICE News. "Now we are getting one out of every 1,000 patients infected with Zika." At the same time, although Venezuela has not reported any increase in microcephalic births, Doctor Ana Teresa Serrao, a gynecologist obstetrician in the Caracas Metropolitan Clinic, believes she is seeing an increase of prenatal problems that might be related to the virus. Sarrao said that she had noticed a sudden spike in women miscarrying during the third month of their pregnancies soon after saying they had symptoms of Zika. "It might be for the same reason why some more advanced pregnancies develop microcephaly," she said. "The body defends itself with antibodies and the fetus suffers the consequences." The doctor said her clinic did not have the resources to buy the tests required to see if her hunch is correct. If doctors like Serrao are confused and concerned, pregnant women in Caracas are even more so. One day Kristy Sánchez's body began to itch, her eyes turned red, and her hands and feet became swollen. She had just entered her 26th week of pregnancy. When the symptoms worsened Sánchez went to the doctor who treated her with anti-allergic medication that did not help. Now, she said, she has "no doubt" that she had Zika and is very frightened that her baby has been affected. "My gynecologist advised me to stay calm, because there's nothing we can do if something happened to the fetus," the expectant mother said. "I knew nothing about Zika and its symptoms. I thought it was Dengue, so I let it pass." Officials in several Latin American countries have advised women to postpone getting pregnant until the Zika epidemic is brought under control. Even the Pope Francis answered a question this week on Zika during his flight back to the Vatican after visiting Mexico that suggested the Catholic church does not have a problem with contraception in this case. Related: The Zika Virus Is Spreading Through the Americas Very Quickly "To avoid pregnancy is not an absolute evil. In some cases, like this one… it is clear," he told reporters on his plane. "I would call on doctors to do everything they can to find a vaccine that can protect people against the mosquitos that spread this illness." Venezuelan government has not said anything about these issues, or even launched any kind of information campaign on the potential risks and what to do about them. And, some note, birth control and family planning is not an easy thing to achieve in Venezuela anyway because of the chronic shortages that limit access to contraceptive pills and condoms. But probably the most obvious way that Venezuela's economic crisis is impacting the way people are dealing with Zika in their everyday lives is the near impossibility of finding chemical repellent. Sánchez said she is injecting herself with vitamin B12 and using an old repellent her mother happened to have kept from the days "when you could still buy it." Yirley, who is five months pregnant, is relying on a natural option made from citronella. "It's effective and it's better than nothing," she said. "It's been a while since I last bought traditional repellent." Juan and Griselda said they burn egg cartons to keep the insects away. "We also do aromatic smoke, but they still bite us," the couple said in the doorstep of their zinc and brick home in the poor barrio of Brisas de Petare in eastern Caracas. The neighborhood does not have running water, so residents depend on tanker trucks that visit the area once every week to fill buckets and barrels that then turn into potential breeding grounds for the mosquitos. The government has sent out fumigation teams in some areas, such as in Brisas de Petare, but what is so terrifying for many in Venezuela and throughout the region is how much infection, and its potential consequences, still comes down to luck. Rafael Rodríguez, who lives in the coastal state of Vargas, knows that his 25-year-old daughter Marian is still alive because of luck. He said the first sign that something was wrong was when she stopped peeing for 24 hours. After that her hands began going numb. The family took her to seven different clinics and hospitals, but none had infectologists that could treat her until she was finally admitted at a clinic in eastern Caracas where the doctors told him she had Guillain-Barré syndrome following on from an asymptomatic case of Zika. "I will thank the doctor for the rest of my life, because she acted well and quickly," Rodríguez said. "But had this happened after, she would not have been able to receive treatment, because the clinic only had enough to treat 15 patients when my daughter was admitted." Marian is still in a wheelchair, but is expected to make a full recovery. Related: Here's What You Should Know About the Zika Virus Follow Alicia Hernandez on Twitter @por_puesto https://news.vice.com/article/venezuelans-are-almost-defenseless-in-the-face-of-zika

Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong’s Daily Zika Update: Two New Cases ConfirmedBy Florida Department of Health, Office of Communications February 19, 2016 Press ReleaseSHARE THIS PAGEFacebookTwitter Feb. 19, 2016 SURGEON GENERAL DR. JOHN ARMSTRONG'S DAILY ZIKA UPDATE: TWO NEW CASES CONFIRMED Contact:Communications [email protected](850) 245-4111 Tallahassee, Fla.—In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the Zika virus, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong will issue a Zika virus update each week day at 2 p.m. Updates will include a CDC-confirmed Zika case count by county and information to better keep Floridians prepared. As of today, two new Zika cases have been confirmed with one in Orange County and one in Miami-Dade County. Dr. Armstrong’s Declaration of Public Health Emergency has been extended to include Orange County. County Number of Cases (all travel related) Alachua 1 Brevard 1 Broward 4 Hillsborough 3 Lee 3 Miami-Dade 10 Orange 1 Osceola 1 Santa Rosa 1 St. Johns 1 Total 26 Last week, Governor Rick Scott directed State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to activate a Zika Virus Information Hotline for current Florida residents and visitors, as well as anyone planning on traveling to Florida in the near future. The hotline, managed by the Department of Health, has assisted 533 callers since Friday. The number for the Zika Virus Information Hotline is 1-855-622-6735. All cases are travel-associated. There have been no locally-acquired cases of Zika in Florida. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. For more information on the Zika virus, click here. State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small. A couple drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes. Residents and visitors also need to use repellents when enjoying the Florida outdoors. More Information on DOH action on Zika: On Feb. 3, Governor Scott directed State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong to issue a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the counties of residents with travel-associated cases of Zika.The Declaration currently includes the 10 effected counties – Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Orange, Osceola, Santa Rosa and St. Johns – and will be updated as needed. DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; and covering windows with screens.DOH has a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.Florida currently has the capacity to test 4,876 people for active Zika virus and 1,282 for Zika antibodies.Federal Guidance on Zika: According to the CDC, Zika illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and harm to unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.This week, the FDA released guidance regarding donor screening, deferral and product management to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmission of Zika virus. Additional information is available on the FDA website here.For more information on Zika virus, click here. About the Florida Department of Health The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov. http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2016/02/021916-zika-update-12.html

All Countries and Territories with Active Zika Virus Transmission Recommend on FacebookTweet AmericasArubaBarbadosBoliviaBonaireBrazilColombiaCommonwealth of Puerto Rico, US territoryCosta RicaCuracaoDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuadeloupeGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaMartiniqueMexicoNicaraguaPanamaParaguaySaint MartinSurinameU.S. Virgin IslandsVenezuelaOceania/Pacific IslandsAmerican SamoaSamoaTongaAfricaCape Verde Page last reviewed: February 4, 2016Page last updated: February 18, 2016http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/active-countries.html

Zika virus disease in the United States, 2015–2016 Recommend on FacebookTweetAs of February 17, 2016 As an arboviral disease, Zika virus is nationally notifiable.This update from the CDC Arboviral Disease Branch includes provisional data reported to ArboNET for January 1, 2015 – February 17, 2016.US States Travel-associated Zika virus disease cases reported: 82Locally acquired vector-borne cases reported: 0US Territories Travel-associated cases reported: 1Locally acquired cases reported: 9 Laboratory-confirmed Zika virus disease cases reported to ArboNET by state or territory — United States, 2015–2016 (as of February 17, 2016) StatesTravel-associated cases (N=82)Locally acquired cases (N=0)Alabama10Arkansas10California60Delaware10District of Columbia30Florida210Georgia10Hawaii40Illinois40Indiana10Maryland10Massachusetts20Minnesota10Nebraska20New Jersey10New York110Ohio40Oregon10Pennsylvania20Tennessee10Texas120Virginia10 Territories(N=1)(N=9)Puerto Rico18US Virgin Islands01 Page last reviewed: February 4, 2016Page last updated: February 19, 2016http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/united-states.html

Dispelling rumours around Zika and microcephaly19 February 2016 No evidence that vaccines cause microcephaly in babiesThere is no evidence linking any vaccine to the increases in microcephaly cases that were observed first in French Polynesia during the 2013-2014 outbreak and more recently in northeastern Brazil. No evidence that vaccines cause microcephaly in babies An extensive review of the literature published in 2014 found no evidence that any vaccine administered during pregnancy resulted in birth defects. The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, which provides independent scientific advice to the World Health Organization (WHO) on vaccine safety issues, reached a similar conclusion in 2014. The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine SafetyIn addition, national regulatory agencies are responsible for ensuring that products released for public distribution, such as vaccines, are evaluated properly and meet international standards of quality and safety. WHO assists countries in strengthening their national regulatory systems: Strengthening national regulatory authoritiesNo evidence that pyriproxyfen insecticide causes microcephalyA team of WHO scientists recently reviewed data on the toxicology of pyriproxyfen, one of 12 larvicides that WHO recommends to reduce mosquito populations. It found no evidence that the larvicide affects the course of pregnancy or the development of a fetus. The US Environmental Protection Agency and EU investigators reached a similar conclusion when they carried out a separate review of the product. Larvicides are an important weapon in the public health practitioner’s arsenal. Especially in cities and towns with no piped water, people tend to store drinking water in outdoor containers. These sources of water, as well as standing water that may collect in garbage, flower pots and tyres, serve as ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Larvicides such as pyriproxyfen are often used in containers where people store water to kill the mosquito in its larval stage. When people drink water from containers that have been treated with pyriproxyfen, they are exposed to the larvicide – but in tiny amounts that do not harm their health. Moreover, 90% - 95% of any larvicide ingested is excreted into the urine within 48 hours. This product has been used since the late-1990s without being linked to microcephaly. More on chemicals and water quality pdf, 116kbNo evidence that the Zika outbreak and unusual increase in microcephaly cases in Brazil is linked to recent releases of genetically modified mosquitoes in BrazilThere is no evidence that Zika virus disease or microcephaly in Brazil is caused by genetically modified mosquitoes. In genetically modified mosquitoes, the genes of male mosquitoes are modified. Because of the modification, when they mate with female mosquitoes, their larval offspring cannot survive. This practice is designed to control mosquito populations. WHO encourages affected countries and their partners to boost the use of current mosquito control interventions as the most immediate line of defence, and to judiciously test the new approaches that could be applied in future. Mosquito control: can it stop Zika at source?No evidence that sterilized male mosquitoes contribute to the spread of ZikaA technique being developed to stop Zika is the mass release of male mosquitoes that have been sterilized by low doses of radiation. When a sterile male mates, the female’s eggs do not survive. The technique has been successfully used, on a large scale, to control insect pests that threaten agriculture. There is no evidence that the technique has been associated with increases in microcephaly cases or other human anomalies or defects. WHO encourages affected countries and their partners to boost the use of current mosquito control interventions as the most immediate line of defense, and to judiciously test the new approaches that could be applied in future. Mosquito control: can it stop Zika at source?Bacteria used to control the male mosquito population are not spreading Zika furtherBacteria such as Wolbachia bacteria are used to control mosquito populations; they do not infect humans or other mammals. Wolbachia bacteria are found in 60% of common insects, including butterflies and fruit flies. Mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia bacteria have been released in several places, including Australia, Brazil, Indonesia and Viet Nam, to help control dengue (which is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits Zika). When females mate with males carrying the bacteria, the eggs do not hatch, thus supressing mosquito populations. More on chemicals and water quality pdf, 116kbFish can help stop Zika.Some countries affected by Zika and dengue are using biological methods as part of an integrated approach to mosquito control. El Salvador, for example, with strong support from fishing communities, is introducing larvae-devouring fish into water storage containers. Use of fish for mosquito controlhttp://www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/articles/rumours/en/

Zika virus and safe blood supply: Questions and answersOnline Q&A 19 February 2016 Q: Can Zika virus be transmitted through donated blood?A: Zika virus may present a risk to blood safety. Currently there is a limited knowledge of Zika virus and the ways it can be transmitted. The majority of cases are transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, Aedes mosquitos. Until more is known about other means of transmission, precautions should be taken to ensure the supply of blood is safe. Zika virus has been detected in blood donors in affected areas.Transmission of related flaviviruses (dengue and West Nile virus) by blood transfusion has been documented, and thus transmission of Zika virus is possible.Recently 2 probable cases of Zika virus transmission by blood transfusion have been reported from Campinas, Brazil.Q: What precautions should be taken to ensure that the blood supply is safe in countries where Zika infection is occurring?A: Ideally the blood supply during a regional outbreak of Zika should be maintained by increasing blood collections in non-affected areas. In non-affected areas, consideration may be given to defer potential donors who have recently visited areas with ongoing transmission of Zika virus infection for 28 days after their departure from these areas. Q: What about blood donations in areas affected by Zika?A: Blood collection may need to continue in affected areas to meet needs for blood and its components. This may be necessary when an outbreak is affecting a large swathe of a country or when it is not possible to get blood from regions where Zika is not circulating. Q: What measures may be considered for reducing the risk of Zika virus through blood transfusion in areas with active Zika virus transmission?Temporary exclusion of donors with a recent clinical history consistent with Zika virus disease, such as a combination of fever or rash with pinkeye, muscle aches, headache or malaise.Temporary exclusion of donors for whom laboratory test results show they may recently have been infected.Donors with clinical history consistent with Zika virus disease or a recent history of Zika virus infection should be deferred for a period not less than 28 days following the full resolution of symptoms.Similarly, sex partners of men with confirmed or suspected Zika virus infection in the last 3 months should be deferred for at least 28 days after their last sexual contact.People who have already donated must be encouraged to report to the blood transfusion service if they subsequently get symptoms of Zika virus infection, or if they are diagnosed with recent Zika virus infection within 14 days after blood donation.Blood components of appropriate shelf life (e.g. red blood cells) may be quarantined for a period of 7–14 days and released following confirmation from the donor that he or she has not experienced symptoms consistent with the acute phase of Zika virus infection. For platelets, which have a shorter shelf life, a 3-day quarantine period may be considered.Countries with many visitors to affected countries may need to assess the impact of deferral on blood supply availability and weigh the risks against the benefits of restricting donations.Q: How could blood donations be tested for the presence of Zika virus?Where possible, blood donations may be tested for the presence of Zika virus by appropriate tests. Likely, pathogen reduction technology (PRT) may be implemented for plasma and platelets. In some cases, the selective testing for the presence of the virus in blood donors returning from affected countries may be considered as an alternative to deferral. Q: Should countries prepare that only have the Aedes mosquitoes but where the Zika virus has not been found?WHO recommends that countries where the mosquito that carries Zika exists, yet the virus itself has not been found, consider preparing a plan to ensure the availability of a safe and sufficient supply of blood should an outbreak occur. http://www.who.int/features/qa/zika-safe-blood/en/

Gregory Härtl ‏@HaertlG 10m10 minutes agoGeneva, Switzerland.@hniman @WHO 14h30 GVA-time. Audiofile will be sent out afterwards @WHO #Zika #ZikaVirus publications/zika/safe

On 25 January 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Benin notified WHO of an outbreak of Lassa fever. The outbreak was initially detected on 21 January following reports of unexplained fever within a cluster of health workers from the district of Tchaourou, Borgou department. On 3 January, these health workers provided care to a patient suffering from haemorrhagic fever. View the full article

Zika is here, but don't panicPublished on Feb 17, 2016, 3:42 pm ASTBy Sandhya Santoo0 CommentsArticleShare:FacebookTwitterA worker from the inspect vector division is fumigating Ramdhine Trace Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed its first case of Zika, the mosquito-borne disease linked to birth defects in babies, which is causing global alarm. The sobering announcement was made this afternoon by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh. Speaking at a Rapid Response mosquito eradication exercise in the community of Penal Rock Road, Deyalsingh said : “At 2.30p.m. today the first case of the Zika virus was confirmed. Laboratory (tests) confirmed the case (through) CARPHA (The Caribbean Public Health Agency). A 61-year-old female who recently travelled to New Zealand”. He said new Zealand is not known to have Zika cases, and how the woman contracted the virus was unknown. Deyalsingh said this was being investigated, and the area in which the woman lives would be: “looked at. She would be looked at to make sure she recovers proberly from the virus”. Deyalsingh said the woman first exhibited symptoms on February 10, and on February 12, a sample was taken and sent for testing by CARPHA. Regarding concerns that the Zika could be a life threatening public health issue, he said “what you do not want from Zika is panic. Please keep it in perspective. The comment ‘if Zika reach the area, we will die’ please! This is a non-political issue! I plead not to make it a political statement geared to create fear and panic. Please let us keep our heads on to eliminate this”. He said that the virus needs to be attacked on the ground level, with a public education and clean up campaign. He said “if you have 100 people in a room, eighty per cent will not show symptoms”. Deyalsingh said: “I am appeal to everyone. Do not create unnecessary panic. The comment of Zika take you, you going to die, is absolutely not true”. The Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted infection related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile virus. It can be transmitted by the bite of the aedes egypti mosquito which is prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago. Some people who contract the virus will exhibit flu-like symptoms and recover quickly. The World Health Organisation has declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency, and there is growing concern about the birth defects in may be causing in babies. As many as four million people could be infected by the end of 2016. On January 29, the country declared a national health emergency over the mosquito-borne Zika virus, with Deyalsingh saying that the virus posed a clear threat to Trinidad and Tobago. He warned pregnant women to protect themselves from the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. Deyalsingh said the Rapid Response Unit was being set up to aggressively tackle the Zika virus and the Ministries of Local Government and National Security and other State agencies were involved in the programme. Deyalsingh said fogging and spraying would continue throughout the country, as well as programmes to educate citizens on the virus. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160217/news/zika-is-here-but-dont-panic Deyalsingh said all Members of Parliament are involved in the programme and called on all citizens to do their part. Meanwhile, several local gynaecologists have advised women to postpone getting pregnant and also take precautions to avoid unexpected pregnancies.

On 21 January 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Angola notified WHO of an outbreak of yellow fever. The first cases were identified in the district of Viana (Luanda province) on 5 December 2015. Yellow fever infection was initially confirmed in three patients by polymerase chain reaction at the Zoonosis and Emerging Disease Laboratory of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg, South Africa and at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, Senegal. View the full article