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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Officials say they'll host a webinar on the Zika virus for health professionals statewide following the identification of nine cases in New York. State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker says Saturday officials will discuss how they're reducing the risk of spreading Zika during Monday's forum. The mosquito-borne virus has been identified in nine New Yorkers who recently returned from countries where the virus is actively being transmitted. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued travel warnings for pregnant women in countries mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean. The virus has been linked with microcephaly, which can leave affected newborns with unusually small heads and abnormal brain development. State health officials say they'll closely monitor mosquitoes when the weather warms. You can register for the webinar here. http://13wham.com/news/top-stories/new-yorks-9-zika-cases-prompt-webinar-for-health-officials-01-30-2016

New York's 9 Zika cases prompt webinar for health officials

At least 20,000 infected by Zika virus in ColombiaWomen account for 63.6 percent of the cases, of whom at least 2,000 are pregnant.30 Jan 2016 17:48 GMT | Health, Environment, Latin America, Colombia, Brazil Shares: 53 Countries across the Americas region are struggling to contain the Zika epidemic [AP]More than 20,000 people, including at least 2,116 pregnant women, have been infected with the Zika virus in the South American country of Colombia. Colombia's National Health Institute reported on Saturday that it has recorded 20,297 cases of the infection, which makes it the second most affected country in the region after Brazil. The World Health Organisation warned this week that the virus is "spreading explosively" in the Americas, with three million to four million cases expected this year. Although the mosquito-borne virus's symptoms are relatively mild, it is believed to be linked to a surge in cases of microcephaly, a devastating condition in which a baby is born with an abnormally small head and brain. Microcephaly is an untreatable disease that can cause permanent damage to the child's motor and cognitive development. Brazil has reported as many as 1.5 million cases of Zika infection. Since the outbreak was detected there last year, 3,718 cases of microcephaly have been reported, compared to an average 163 cases a year before that. Explained: Threats and origins of the Zika virus The National Health Institute said that 1,050 of Colombia's Zika infection cases were confirmed by laboratory tests, 17,115 by clinical exams, and 2,132 were suspected cases. Women have been the most affected in Colombia, accounting for 63.6 percent of the cases. The government expects more than 600,000 people to become infected with the Zika virus in Colombia this year, and projects some 500 cases of microcephaly. On Tuesday, Colombian authorities ordered hospitals in lower-lying areas to prepare for the spread of the disease, which is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It also recommended that couples delay attempts to become pregnant for six to eight months. Source: Agencies http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/20000-infected-zika-virus-colombia-160130165855047.html

Here is the alert issued by Colombia over expanding Zika virusJanuary 31, 2016 in Science The mosquitoes that carry and transmit the Zika virusdon't live in Canada due to the colder weather, but they can survive in the southern states. DE health officials are the latest to issue a warning to women who are pregnant or who intend to become pregnant about traveling to countries where the Zika virus transmission is occurring. Zika is mild in most people sometimes causing a headache, a rash, joint pain or red eyes. Officials say the patient in Boston is expected to survive - and even though Americans have been diagnosed with Zika, there's no evidence that anyone got infected by a mosquito in the U.S. According to a report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a 15-year-old boy in Cebu City was reportedly afflicted with Zika virus and recovered fully after three weeks. ABC News reported more than 30 combined cases across the continental USA earlier in the day. JUDY WOODRUFF: Researchers say it's still relatively rare that a pregnant woman infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to her newborn. A cousin of yellow fever, Zika is transported by mosquitoes and appears to afflict unborn children with a potentially crippling neurological disorder. China is closely cooperating with other countries and the World Health Organization, exchanging medical information and staying briefed on the virus situation to be prepared for any risks, it said. The virus, they say, could spread to an unborn baby and could cause birth defects. "They don't have a curent treatment right now so we are waiting to see if they develop anything", Boukouris said. Still, the panel advised anyone who has traveled to the affected areas and experience symptoms to be tested. "You mostly see the Aedes mosquito in the southern part of our country", she said. A total of 4,500 suspected cases of the zika virus have been detected in Venezuela, the country's Health Minister Luisana Melo revealed on Thursday. Some airlines are offering refunds to expectant mothers with tickets to any of 22 countries or territories with outbreaks of the disease. According to sources, the Union Health Ministry has also recently called health experts from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme and National Centre for Disease Control to closely look at the virus trend and chalk out plans to avert the virus. http://leadercall.com/2016/01/here-is-the-alert-issued-by-colombia-over-expanding-zika/

CBS/AP January 30, 2016, 4:52 PMZika virus infects more than 2,100 pregnant Colombian womenSueli Maria holds her newborn daughter Milena, who has microcephaly, a brain defect linked to the Zika virus, at a hospital in Recife, Brazil, January 28, 2016. REUTERS 2 Comments 402 Shares Tweet Stumble EmailBOGOTA, Colombia -- More than 2,100 pregnant women in Colombia are infected with the mosquito-borne Zika virus, the country's national health institute said on Saturday, according to Reuters. The disease has been linked to a serious birth defect called microcephaly, which causes babies to be born with small heads and underdeveloped brains. Overall, more than 20,000 people in Colombia have developed Zika. The virus was initially detected last year in Brazil. Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of World Health Organization, warned Thursday that Zika is "spreading explosively," and has quickly gone from a mild threat to one of alarming proportions. Play VIDEOHow concerned should U.S. be about Zika virus outbreak?The WHO said the virus could infect 4 million people by the end of the year. Health officials in Brazil reported earlier this week that about 4,000 infants have been born with microcephaly, compared to fewer than 150 in 2014. Dozens of Zika cases have been reported in the U.S., all in people who traveled outside the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that pregnant women, or those who may become pregnant, should try to avoid travel to at least 24 countries and territories, mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean, where Zika virus has been spreading. The CDC has said that Zika is not expected to pose as much of a threat to the U.S. as it has to Brazil and other countries in the region. But officials said they do expect to see some locally-transmitted cases occur in the United States. Play VIDEOWHO warns Zika virus could infect millions worldwide"We will see mini-outbreaks like in Florida and in Texas that can be well controlled with mosquito vector control," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Fauci told CBS News on Thursday the Zika outbreak is a pandemic. "You have multiple countries in South America and in the Caribbean, so by anybody's definition that would be considered a pandemic," Fauci said. Health officials are also concerned about a spike in a rare, sometimes-paralyzing syndrome that could be linked to the Zika virus. A health official said Saturday Colombia has now recorded 41 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome that appear to be linked to Zika. It had detected 12 such cases a week ago. Venezuelan Health Minister Luisana Melo said her country has seen 255 cases of Guillain-Barre, apparently as part of its effort to fight Zika, though she did not specify the link or the time frame. Former Health Minister Jose Oletta said Venezuela normally sees 30 to 40 cases of Guillain-Barre a month and said the large number now indicates that Zika infections are far greater than the roughly 4,500 suspected cases than officials acknowledge. On Monday, the WHO will gather its Emergency Committee for about three to six hours in a "virtual" meeting, spokesman Christian Lindmeier told CBS News' Pamela Falk on Friday. The committee will draft a recommendation to Chan, who will make a determination next week whether to declare Zika a "public health emergency of international concern," or PHEIC. WHO would then help coordinate an international emergency response. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/zika-virus-infects-more-than-2100-pregnant-colombian-women/

Life | Sat Jan 30, 2016 9:53pm GMTRelated: HEALTHMore than 2,100 pregnant Colombian women infected with Zika virusBOGOTA | BY JULIA SYMMES COBB An Aedes aegypti mosquito is seen on human hand in a laboratory of the International Training and Medical Research Training Center (CIDEIM) in Cali, Colombia January 28, 2016REUTERS/JAIME SALDARRIAGA More than 2,100 pregnant Colombian women are infected with the mosquito-borne Zika virus, the country's national health institute said on Saturday, as the disease continues its spread across the Americas. The virus has been linked to the devastating birth defect microcephaly, which prevents fetus' brains from developing properly. There is no vaccine or treatment. There are 20,297 confirmed cases of the disease in Colombia, the national health institute said in a epidemiology bulletin, among them 2,116 pregnant women. There are so far no reported cases of microcephaly or deaths from the virus in Colombia. The institute said 37.2 percent of pregnant women with Zika live in Norte de Santander province, along the eastern border with Venezuela. Earlier figures from the health ministry showed 560 pregnant women had the disease, out of more than 13,500 infections. Zika cases have been confirmed in 23 countries and territories in the Americas and scientists are racing to develop a vaccine for the virus. Nearly half of Colombia's Zika cases have been reported in the country's Caribbean region, the bulletin said. More than 60 percent of those infected are women. The health ministry has said Zika infection falls within the health requirements women must meet to get abortions in the country, which restricts the procedure unless patients are victims of rape, have significant medical problems or the fetus is fatally deformed. Many women, especially those living far from large cities, struggle to find abortion providers even when they meet the legal requirements and illegal abortions are widespread. The government has urged women to delay pregnancy for six to eight months to avoid potential infection. Officials expect up to 700,000 cases. Brazil is the country hit hardest by the disease. It has reported around 3,700 cases of microcephaly strongly suspected to be related to Zika. The World Health Organization has said as many as 4 million people in the Americas may become infected. (Reporting by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli) http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-zika-colombia-idUKKCN0V80UK

Texas Health Officials Brace for More Zika Virus Cases After Six Confirmed Statewide55 1 File Photo: Victor Moriyama/Getty Imagesby MERRILL HOPE30 Jan 201614 The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)confirmed six travel-related cases of Zika virus in the state, as of late Friday, with four more cases suspected. Public health officials and medical providers are bracing for more cases, worried this could be the tip of the iceberg.On Friday, Houston public health officials confirmed five Zika virus cases. Dr. Brian Arenare, Director of Disease Control and Clinical Prevention for Harris County Public Health and Environmental Sciences, commented on the challenges of formulating a preparedness plan for a virus with limited published scientific data, according tothe Houston Chronicle. He said: “We’re faced with, before the bona fide mosquito season actually begins, having this important opportunity to plan what kinds of steps need to be in place now, so that we’re as far ahead of the curve as we can be.” So far, all Texans with confirmed cases of Zika contracted the virus abroad and were diagnosed when they returned stateside says the state health agency. However, Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, believes the Texas Gulf Coast could be “hardest hit” in a Zika outbreak, hetold the Houston newspaper. The virus is carried by same two types of Aedes mosquitoes that carry Dengue fever, prevalent on the Texas-Mexico border, and Chikungunya, which first entered the state in 2014, with more cases last year, Breitbart Texas reported. These mosquitoes like to reproduce in standing water close to humans. Hotez cited Houston’s economically depressed areas as prime breeding grounds. In North Texas, Dallas County health officials want to better prepare themselves in case of an outbreak by asking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for approval to locally test in May, the start of mosquito season in the region when the virus could spread. On Jan. 26, Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Zachary Thompson told NBC DFW (KXAS) that the county is “taking the proactive step of seeking certification of our lab so that we can be able to do the test locally” and hopes the CDC will approve local testing by May. Presently, Dallas County sends suspect blood samples to Atlanta-based CDC for testing. Dallas last faced a serious health threat in 2014 when a Liberian man, infected with the highly contagious Ebola virus, brought the first case of the deadly illness into the U.S. through Dallas, which Breitbart Texas covered extensively. It spread to two nurses treating the man. He later died, sparking a panic across the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, which remained on edge for months. Breitbart Texas’ Lana Shadwick reported on Saturday that Bexar County health officials in San Antonio confirmed they tested six people for Zika virus, none of them were pregnant. They await results from the CDC. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District does not want Bexar County residents to panic since there are no confirmed cases of native Texas mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus, which, according to Dr. Anil Magla, means that the virus is not spreading locally, and only exists in travel-related cases to affected regions. Dr. Nikos Vasilakis is among the world’s leading experts on mosquito-borne illnesses at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. His team hopes to eventually develop a Zika virus vaccine. Previously, he called Brazil’s 3,000-plus cases in 2015 “the tip of the iceberg.” He told CBS-TV affiliate KHOU 11: “We need to find a way to control the spread.” Vasilakis fears U.S. government regulations could impede the process of developing a general population vaccine. He told the BBC: “What would take the longest time would be the process of passing it through the FDA and other regulatory agencies to allow it for public use and that may take up to 10 to 12 years.” Breitbart News reported that medical experts warn the virus has “explosive” pandemic potential. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that up to four million cases of Zika may surface before a cure is found. Of greatest concern are pregnant women. Experts suspect a connection between Zika virus and serious birth defects. During Brazil’s 2015 Zika virus outbreak, incidences of microcephaly, a condition where babies are born with small heads and abnormally deformed brains, increased. The CDC advised pregnant women to avoid traveling to the 24 countries seeing high rates of the virus in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare paralysis disease, also increased during the 2014 French Polynesia Zika virus outbreak. Wednesday, the CDC suggested that Zika may lead to hearing and vision problems. For now, the best way to combat the virus and avoid an outbreak is to eradicate mosquitoes by removing tires, plastic containers and other refuse from properties that can hold water and where Zika-infected mosquitos can breed, NBC DFW reported. Texas health officials also recommend wearing long sleeves, covering up, and using insect repellent. TDSHS advises to stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms and they encourage people, especially pregnant women, to follow the CDC’s travel precautions. TDSHS says that most people exposed to the mosquito-borne illness, experience mild to no symptoms. The signs of the Zika virus are fever, rash, muscle and joint aches and even, pinkeye. Follow Merrill Hope on Twitter @OutOfTheBoxMom. http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2016/01/30/texas-health-official-brace-for-more-zika-virus-cases-after-six-confirmed-statewide/

Guatemala confirmed 105 cases of the virus zikaToday at 22:59Health authorities in Guatemala furthermore stated that at least 105 people were infected with the virus zika and admit that this number may increase. JOSUE DECAVELE / REUTERSInformation zika virus in Guatemala PRINT (2) SEND (0) 192 TAGSZIKAWHOGUATEMALAVIRUSWORLDEpidemiologist of the Ministry of Health of Guatemala Judith Garcia told the newspaper "Prensa Libre" which confirmed 105 cases in 200 suspects, 68 of whom are still for the year 2015. For every confirmed case said Judith Garcia, there may be three patients who did not seek health professionals or who are asymptomatic, meaning that the actual numbers of infected people in the country may be much higher. The zika virus is transmitted by mosquito "Aedes aegypti", which is also responsible for dengue transmission, and manifests itself in symptoms similar to flu like low fever, headaches, joint pain and rashes. "The humid climate of Guatemala is quite favorable" to the virus, said epidemiologist. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease is spreading "explosively" the American continent, with three to four million cases expected this year, of which 1.5 million in Brazil, the most affected country . This virus is associated with an increase in Brazil cases microcephaly a fetal development disorder that causes the perimeter of the skull child lower than normal, which causes delays in mental development. In Portugal, the General Directorate for Health (DGS) indicated that the clinical signs and symptoms of the disease are generally mild: fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, headaches and muscle.

Guatemala Confirmed Zika Cases Increases To 105 http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Mundo/Interior.aspx?content_id=5007590&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JN-ULTIMAS+(JN+-+Ultimas)

Zika cases soar in ColombiaUpdated 22 minutes ago Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Google Plus Share on Reddit Share on Linked In Share via emailThe number of pregnant women in Colombia with the zika virus has doubled in a week to nearly 2000, health officials say. A physiotherapist in Brazil holds a baby suffering from microcephalia. Photo: AFP With 20,000 people confirmed as having the virus, Colombia is now the second most infected country in the world after Brazil. The officials said the number of pregnant women confirmed to have the zika virus has shot up to about 1900. There are another 200 suspected cases. The mosquito-borne disease has been linked to thousands of severe birth defects in Brazil. That country has seen a surge in babies with microcephaly, or abnormally small brains, born from mothers infected with zika, although there is no definitive proof zika was the cause. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned the virus is "spreading explosively". It has already swept through 23 countries in the Americas. WHO predicts there could be up to 4 million cases this year. The organisation will meet on Monday to decide whether zika should be treated as a global emergency. Jamaica and Peru reported their first confirmed cases over the weekend, with the Peruvian President Ollanta Humala stressing that the patient contracted the disease outside of the country. Zika symptoms are mild, causing a low fever, joint pain, headaches, a rash and conjunctivitis. Colombia has also said it had seen an increase in cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder that can cause temporary paralysis, that has also been linked to zika. The outbreak has sparked health warnings and eradication campaigns, with Brazil deploying troops and Colombia launching a mass fumigation campaign to fight mosquitoes. Colombia and other Latin American countries have advised women to delay getting pregnant. - BBC http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/295367/zika-cases-soar-in-colombia

Jamaica confirms first case of Zika virus CTV News: Reaction to Zika babies 'cruel' CTV News: Reaction to Zika babies 'cruel' Researchers are rushing to find a vaccine as Zika continues to spread and mothers with affected babies feel ostracized. Peter Akman reports. CTV Montreal: Zika case confirmed in Quebec A woman who vacationed down south was confirmed to have caught the Zika virus, but she’s since recovered. CTV Ottawa: What is the Zika virus? Patricia Boal takes a closer look at the Zika virus and what is the risk to expectant mothers and their babies. 123>> 11 11 0 The Associated Press Published Saturday, January 30, 2016 1:43PM EST SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The Jamaica Ministry of Health has confirmed the Caribbean country's first case of the Zika virus. A ministry statement released on Saturday says a 4-year-old child has recovered after contracting Zika. It adds that authorities have stepped up prevention and detection efforts in the Portmore, St. Catherine area where the child lives. RELATED STORIESJamaica advises women to delay pregnancy due to Zika virusAsian countries urge sick travellers to report Zika symptomsPregnant woman who cancelled trip over Zika concerns can get refund: SunwingPHOTOS Jaqueline Vieira, left, watches as her 3-month-old son Daniel, who was born with microcephaly, as he undergoes physical therapy at the Altino Ventura foundation in Recife, Brazil, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016. (AP/Felipe Dana) http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/jamaica-confirms-first-case-of-zika-virus-1.2758579 Caribbean Public Health Agency lab tests for the virus came back positive on Friday afternoon. Authorities are investigating the case in hopes of determining the source of infection. The child began showing symptoms on Jan. 17 and had earlier travelled to Texas.

Colombia reports more than 2,000 Zika cases in pregnant womenAFP/File / Schneyder MendozaA pregnant woman infected by the Zika virus, at the Erasmo Meoz University Hospital in Cucuta, Colombia on January 25, 2016 Colombia announced Saturday that more than 2,000 pregnant women have been infected with Zika, amid growing concern about the spread of the virus suspected of causing irreversible brain damage in newborns.Bogota (AFP) The National Health Institute reported that Colombia now has 20,297 cases of Zika infection, including 2,116 in expectant mothers. The latest numbers, reported in the institute’s epidemiological bulletin, make Colombia the second most affected country in the region, after Brazil, the epicenter of the outbreak. Although the mosquito-borne virus’s symptoms are relatively mild, it is believed to be linked to a surge in cases of microcephaly, a devastating condition in which a baby is born with an abnormally small head and brain. Microcephaly is an untreatable disease that can cause permanent damage to the child’s motor and cognitive development. The World Health Organization warned this week that the virus is “spreading explosively” in the Americas, with three million to four million cases expected this year. AFP / Adrian Leung/John SaekiFactfile on the Zika virus.Brazil, the hardest hit country, sounded the alarm in October, when a rash of microcephaly cases emerged in the northeast. Since then, there have been 270 confirmed cases of microcephaly and 3,448 suspected cases, up from 147 in 2014. The National Health Institute said that 1,050 of Colombia’s Zika infection cases were confirmed by laboratory tests, 17,115 by clinical exams, and 2,132 were suspected cases. Women have been the most affected in Colombia, accounting for 63.6 percent of the cases. The government expects more than 600,000 people to become infected with the Zika virus in Colombia this year, and projects some 500 cases of microcephaly. Earlier this week, Colombian authorities ordered hospitals in lower-lying areas to prepare for the spread of the disease, which is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. With the virus already affecting some 193 municipalities, authorities also recommended that couples delay attempts to become pregnant for six to eight months. Ecuador, El Salvador, Jamaica and Puerto Rico have also warned women to delay conceiving. – No vaccine – AFP/File / Luis RobayoA government employee fumigates against the Aedes Aegypti mosquito inside a house in Cali, Colombia on January 28, 2016In the absence of a vaccine and with no way to prevent it other than to avoid mosquito bites, Latin American countries have called for greater efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. In Nicaragua and Honduras, for example, teams of volunteers formed by concerned teachers, students and parents, are readying to clean up areas containing stagnant water. In Brazil, which hosts the Summer Olympics in August, authorities have deployed a small army of sanitation workers to do the same, as well as to fumigate against mosquitoes. On Friday, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff vowed to “win the war” against the virus, but some experts criticized her government’s response and warned the Olympics could fuel the disease’s spread. Rousseff’s comments came on the same day she and US President Barack Obama agreed to launch a high-level bilateral group to develop a vaccine. – Virus sparks abortion debate – In both Brazil and Colombia, the Zika virus has sparked a debate about abortion, with some activists arguing that it should be allowed in cases of microcephaly. In both countries, terminating a pregnancy is only legal in the case of rape, risks to the mother’s health or if the fetus is not viable. The issue is even more pressing in El Salvador, an affected country where a 1998 law criminalizes all abortions, including following rape, incest or when a mother’s life is in danger. Colombian activists argue abortion should be allowed if a fetus has microcephaly because it is a situation that affects the mother’s mental health. In Brazil, meanwhile, a group of researchers, lawyers and activists announced they would take the matter to the country’s Supreme Court. © 2016 AFP http://citizen.co.za/afp_feed_article/colombia-reports-more-than-2000-zika-cases-in-pregnant-women/

Jamaica Confirms First Case of ZikaJanuary 30th, 2016 | 12:01 pm Print Jamaica has confirmed its first case of the Zika mosquito-borne virus, the country’s Ministry of Health announced. The patient, who has now recovered, is a four-year-old child from Portmore. The government said the child began showing symptoms on Jan. 17, “after earlier returning to Jamaica from travel to Texas in the United States.” The child was investigated at the Bustamante Hospital for Children and received a positive test this week. “There is adequate medication available in the public health system at this time to treat the symptoms of Zika virus infection in the event of additional cases being identified,” the government said. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus whose symptoms are similar to dengue fever. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis, although symptoms are usually mild. In fact, 80 percent of people who contract the virus exhibit no symptoms. The biggest risk is for pregnant women, however, as it is increasingly thought that infection with zika during pregnancy can lead to birth defects like microcephaly. Jamaica like the rest of the region has been dealing with the disease, and several islands have reported cases in small numbers. http://caribjournal.com/2016/01/30/jamaica-confirms-first-case-of-zika/

Jamaica Confirms First Case of the Zika Virus MINISTRY OF HEALTH, JAMAICA·SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016 The Ministry of Health has confirmed one case of the Zika virus in Jamaica. The patient who has now recovered is a four year old child from Portmore, St. Catherine.The child began showing symptoms on January 17, 2016 after earlier returning to Jamaica from travel to Texas in the United States.The child was investigated at the Bustamante Hospital for Children and samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing on January 26, 2016. The Ministry received the positive zika virus test result from CARPHA late Friday afternoon (January, 29, 2016).The case is being investigated to determine the source of infection and the child’s parents and family have been contacted and briefed by a team from the Ministry of Health. No other family member is ill at this time.As part of its investigations the Ministry of Health has undertaken the necessary community interventions in and around the area where the child lives to determine whether there are other cases and has heightened vector control activities.The Minister of Health will provide a full update to the nation at a press briefing to be held on Monday, February 1, 2016.In the meantime, the Ministry is advising persons, particularly pregnant women, to take extra precaution to prevent being bitten by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which transmit the Zika virus.There is adequate medication available in the public health system at this time to treat the symptoms of Zika virus infection in the event of additional cases being identified.

Jamaica First Zika Case ex-Texas (4 year old) https://www.facebook.com/notes/ministry-of-health-jamaica/jamaica-confirms-first-case-of-the-zika-virus/949521368435630

Colombia has more than 2,000 Zika cases in pregnant women: OfficialThe National Health Institute reported that Colombia now has 20,297 cases of Zika infection, 2,116 in pregnant women.Posted 30 Jan 2016 23:29PHOTOSAn Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which can spread the Zika virus. (AFP/Marvin Recinos)ENLARGECAPTION 70 Email More A A BOGOTA: Colombia announced Saturday (Jan 30) that more than 2,000 pregnant women in the South American country have been infected with the Zika virus, which is suspected of causing brain damage in newborns. The National Health Institute reported that Colombia now has 20,297 cases of Zika infection, 2,116 in pregnant women. - AFP/rw http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/colombia-has-more-than-2/2473984.html

Zika: Colombia cases in pregnant women double in a week2 hours ago From the sectionLatin America & CaribbeanImage copyrightAFPImage captionOver 20,000 people have been infected with Zika in Colombia, according to health officialsZika virusZika outbreak: What you need to knowVideo Zika virus: 'The worst day of my life'Would it be wrong to eradicate mosquitoes?Mothers' fears amid Zika outbreakThe number of pregnant women in Colombia infected with the Zika virus has doubled in a week, officials said. Almost 2,000 pregnant women now have the virus, Colombia's National Health Institute said, out of the more than 20,000 people infected across Colombia. The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to babies being born with abnormally small brains. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned Zika is "spreading explosively", predicting up to 4m cases this year. On Monday, the WHO meets to decide whether Zika should be treated as a global emergency. Brazil has been worst affected by the outbreak, followed by Colombia, but more than 20 other countries have seen cases. Jamaica and Peru reported their first confirmed cases over the weekend, with Peruvian President Ollanta Humala urging calm and stressing that the patient contracted the disease outside of the country. More on the Zika virus:Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage captionThe Zika virus has been linked to infant microcephaly, which can hamper brain developmentZika: What you need to know Mothers' fears amid outbreak Tracing the origins of Zika Zika symptoms are mild, causing a low fever, joint pain, headaches, a rash and conjunctivitis. But concern surrounds a surge in babies born with microcephaly, or abnormally small heads, from mothers infected with Zika. A link has not been confirmed. Colombia has also said it has seen an increase in cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder that can cause temporary paralysis, that has also been linked to Zika. The outbreak has sparked health warnings and eradication campaigns, with Brazil deploying troops and Colombia launching a mass fumigation campaign to fight mosquitoes. Colombia and other Latin American countries have advised women to delay getting pregnant for the moment. What is the Zika virus:Spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also carries dengue fever and yellow feverFirst discovered in Africa in the 1940s but is now spreading in Latin AmericaScientists say there is growing evidence of a link to microcephaly, that leads to babies being born with small headsCan lead to fever and a rash but most people show no symptoms, and there is no known cureOnly way to fight Zika is to clear stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, and protect against mosquito bites

Zika Cases In Pregnant Columbia Case Double In One Week http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35450644

Zika virus infection outbreak, French Polynesia 14 February 2014 As of 7 February 2014, of 746 samples sent for laboratory confirmation, 396 (53.1%) were confirmed by RT-PCR at Institut Louis Malardé. It is estimated that more than 28 000 cases have sought medical care with Zika-like symptoms in French Polynesia since the beginning of the outbreak (around 11.5% of the population of French Polynesia). The clinical presentation of confirmed Zika cases was consistent with the literature: mild fever, rash, non-purulent conjunctivitis, arthralgia, myalgia, headache and distal oedema. None of these mild cases was hospitalised. According to Polynesia Epibulletin, 70 cases presented with neurological or auto-immune complications between November 2013 and 7 February 2014 [48]. Among those, there were 38 cases of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) after the initial ZIKAV infection and 25 had neurological complications (encephalitis, meningo-encephalitis, paraesthesia, facial paralysis and myelitis). Seven cases had other complications: four with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, two were ophthalmologic complications and one had a cardiac complication. Among the GBS cases, 73% were male, the mean age was 45.9 years (range: 27–70), and almost all cases were ethnic Polynesians. Fifteen cases were admitted to the intensive care unit and nine cases required mechanical ventilation. No deaths have been reported. All GBS cases developed neurological symptoms following a disease episode with symptoms compatible with ZIKAV infection in previous days, one of the cases has been laboratoryconfirmed to be Zika by RT-PCR at the initial infection, and other preliminary results show positive IgG against ZIKAV for several cases, after the occurrence of neurological signs [48]. The clustering in time of GBS cases is considered unusual as the annual number of GBS cases in French Polynesia are 5, 10, 3 and 3 in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. As of 31 January 2014, five patients remained hospitalised and overall a total of 18 individuals had been admitted to the local rehabilitation centre. The intensive care resources in this insular setting have been under intense stress to cope with patients presenting neurological complications. http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/Zika-virus-French-Polynesia-rapid-risk-assessment.pdf

Zika virus infection outbreak, French Polynesia 14 February 2014 As of 7 February 2014, of 746 samples sent for laboratory confirmation, 396 (53.1%) were confirmed by RT-PCR at Institut Louis Malardé. It is estimated that more than 28 000 cases have sought medical care with Zika-like symptoms in French Polynesia since the beginning of the outbreak (around 11.5% of the population of French Polynesia). The clinical presentation of confirmed Zika cases was consistent with the literature: mild fever, rash, non-purulent conjunctivitis, arthralgia, myalgia, headache and distal oedema. None of these mild cases was hospitalised. According to Polynesia Epibulletin, 70 cases presented with neurological or auto-immune complications between November 2013 and 7 February 2014 [48]. Among those, there were 38 cases of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) after the initial ZIKAV infection and 25 had neurological complications (encephalitis, meningo-encephalitis, paraesthesia, facial paralysis and myelitis). Seven cases had other complications: four with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, two were ophthalmologic complications and one had a cardiac complication. Among the GBS cases, 73% were male, the mean age was 45.9 years (range: 27–70), and almost all cases were ethnic Polynesians. Fifteen cases were admitted to the intensive care unit and nine cases required mechanical ventilation. No deaths have been reported. All GBS cases developed neurological symptoms following a disease episode with symptoms compatible with ZIKAV infection in previous days, one of the cases has been laboratoryconfirmed to be Zika by RT-PCR at the initial infection, and other preliminary results show positive IgG against ZIKAV for several cases, after the occurrence of neurological signs [48]. The clustering in time of GBS cases is considered unusual as the annual number of GBS cases in French Polynesia are 5, 10, 3 and 3 in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. As of 31 January 2014, five patients remained hospitalised and overall a total of 18 individuals had been admitted to the local rehabilitation centre. The intensive care resources in this insular setting have been under intense stress to cope with patients presenting neurological complications. http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/Zika-virus-French-Polynesia-rapid-risk-assessment.pdf

Ministry of Health investigates 3,448 suspected cases of microcephalyPosted: Wednesday, January 27, 2016, 19:30 | Last Updated on Friday, January 29, 2016, 17h32 | Hits: 909 In cases that remain under investigation, other 270 were confirmed to have the disease, and 462 were classified as discarded The Ministry of Health and the states investigating 3,448 suspected cases of microcephaly across the country. The new report released on Wednesday (27) also points out that 270 cases have had microcephaly confirmation, and 6 with respect to the Zika virus. Other 462 reported cases have been discarded. In all, 4,180 suspected cases of microcephaly were recorded until 23 January. "The increase of suspected cases reported this past week was lower compared to previous weeks. The increase in reported cases was 7%, with respect to the release of January 20. Already the number of cases disposed of in the same period grew 63%, from 282 to the current 462, "said Claudio Maierovitch, director of the Department of Surveillance of Communicable Diseases of the Ministry of Health. In total, 68 deaths were reported due to congenital malformations after delivery (stillbirth) or during pregnancy (miscarriage). Of these, 12 were confirmed to the relationship with congenital infection, all in the Northeast, 10 in Rio Grande do Norte, one in Ceará and one in Piauí. Continue research in 51 deaths and five have already been discarded. It should be noted that the Ministry of Health is investigating all cases of microcephaly or defects reported by the states, and the possible relationship with the Zika virus and other congenital infections. The microcephaly can be caused by various infectious agents beyond Zika, such as syphilis, toxoplasmosis, Other Infectious Agents, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Viral. According to the report, the 4,180 cases reported since the beginning of the investigation on 22 October last year - were recorded in 830 municipalities in 24 Brazilian states. The Northeast region has 86% of reported cases and Pernambuco continues with the highest number of cases that remain under investigation (1125), followed by the states of Paraíba (497), Bahia (471), Ceará (218), Sergipe (172 ), Alagoas (158), Rio Grande do Norte (133), Rio de Janeiro (122) and Maranhão (119). So far, they are with indigenous circulation of Zika virus 22 units of the federation. They are: Goiás, Minas Gerais, Federal District, Mato Grosso do Sul, Roraima, Amazonas, Para, Rondonia, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Maranhao, Piaui, Ceara, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, Espírito Santo , Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Parana. TESTING - Currently, the movement of the Zika is confirmed by PCR with molecular biology technology. From the confirmation in a particular locality, the other diagnoses are made clinically, for medical assessment of symptoms. The Ministry of Health distribute thousand 500 tests to perform diagnostic PCR (molecular biology) for Zika virus. As a result, public laboratories will expand 20 times the capacity of the exams, from thousand to 20 thousand monthly diagnostics.The first 250,000 units is scheduled for delivery in February, initially to 27 laboratories, four of reference and 23 Central Laboratories of Public Health (LACEN). It is expected that the other 250,000 tests are available from the second half. In total, the Ministry of Health invested R $ 6 million for the purchase of products. The recommendation of the Ministry of Health, as Surveillance Protocol and response to occurrence of microcephaly, is to be prioritized for the test, pregnant women with symptoms of Zika virus, pregnant women microcephalic baby, and infants with suspected microcephaly. ORIENTATION - The Ministry of Health advises pregnant women to adopt measures to reduce the presence of disease-transmitting mosquitoes by eliminating breeding sites, and protect themselves from mosquito exposure, such as keeping doors and closed or screened windows, wear pants and shirt with long sleeves and use repellents allowed for pregnant women. Distribution of reported cases of microcephaly by UF until January 23, 2016 Regions and Federative UnitsMicrocephaly cases and / or malformations suggestive of congenital infectionCumulative total of reported cases 2015-2016ResearchConfirmedDiscardedBrazil3,4482704624,180Alagoas15800158Bahia4713527533Ceará21847229Maranhão119015134Paraíba49731181709Pernambuco1,1251381101,373Piauí910091large northern river1336015208Sergipe17200172Northeast2,9842683553,607Holy Spirit520052Minas Gerais813948Rio de Janeiro12200122Sao Paulo180018Southeast region200139240AcreNo registryNo registryNo registryNo registryAmapáNo registryNo registryNo registryNo registryAmazonNo registryNo registryNo registryNo registryFor6006Rondônia1001Roraima5005Tocantins7001282North region8201294Federal District50914Goiás620062Mato Grosso110037147Mato Grosso do Sul3014Midwest region180047227Paraná20810Santa Catarina0011Rio Grande do Sul0101South region21912filed under: News

January 27 update http://combateaedes.saude.gov.br/noticias/244-ministerio-da-saude-investiga-3-448-casos-suspeitos-de-microcefalia

Jamaica reports its first case of Zika virus Doug Stanglin, USATODAY12:31 p.m. EST January 30, 2016(Photo: Felipe Dana, AP) 164CONNECTTWEET 1LINKEDIN 2COMMENTEMAILMOREJamaican health officials confirmed the Caribbean nation's first case of the Zika virus Saturday in a 4-year-old child who recently returned from a trip to Texas. The child, who has now recovered, began showing symptoms Jan. 17 after visiting the U.S. state, Jamaica's Ministry of Health said in a statement. It's unclear whether the child picked up the virus in Jamaica or Texas. The ministry said it is investigating the case to determine the source of the infection. The virus has been associated with a sharp jump in the birth of babies with abnormally small heads, mainly in Brazil. It is also linked to increases in Guillain-Barre syndrome, in which the immune system attacks the nervous system, causing paralysis. Jamaican Health Minister Horace Dalley said in the statement that the child’s parents and family have been contacted and briefed by a team from the ministry. No other family members are ill at this time, according to the statement, first reported by Nationwide Radio's Abka Fitz-Henley. Dalley said he plans to provide a full update on the case Monday. The mosquito-borne infection has been detected in some 24 countries and territories in the Americas since Brazil reported its first case in May, Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO) said this week. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/01/30/jamaica-reports-first-case-zika-virus/79563246/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=usatoday-newstopstories

Jamaica Confirms First Case of ZikaJanuary 30th, 2016 | 12:01 pm Print Jamaica has confirmed its first case of the Zika mosquito-borne virus, the country’s Ministry of Health announced. The patient, who has now recovered, is a four-year-old child from Portmore. The government said the child began showing symptoms on Jan. 17, “after earlier returning to Jamaica from travel to Texas in the United States.” The child was investigated at the Bustamante Hospital for Children and received a positive test this week. “There is adequate medication available in the public health system at this time to treat the symptoms of Zika virus infection in the event of additional cases being identified,” the government said. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus whose symptoms are similar to dengue fever. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis, although symptoms are usually mild. In fact, 80 percent of people who contract the virus exhibit no symptoms. The biggest risk is for pregnant women, however, as it is increasingly thought that infection with zika during pregnancy can lead to birth defects like microcephaly. Jamaica like the rest of the region has been dealing with the disease, and several islands have reported cases in small numbers. http://caribjournal.com/2016/01/30/jamaica-confirms-first-case-of-zika/

Jamaica confirms first case of Zika virus Saturday, January 30, 2016 | 9:37 AM 11 Comments KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health has confirmed one case of the Zika virus in Jamaica. The patient, who has now recovered, is a four-year-old child from Portmore, St Catherine. In a news release Saturday, the ministry said the child began showing symptoms on January 17 after earlier returning to Jamaica from travel to Texas in the United States. The child was investigated at the Bustamante Hospital for Children and samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing on January 26, 2016. The ministry said it received the positive Zika virus test result from CARPHA late yesterday. Sponsored Links 10 Highest Dividend Paying Stocks Right NowDogs of the Dow The Most Intelligent Stars in HollywoodViralTide The ministry said the case is being investigated to determine the source of infection and the child’s parents and family have been contacted and briefed by a team from the Ministry of Health. No other family member is ill at this time, the news release said. As part of its investigations, the Ministry of Health has undertaken the necessary community interventions in and around the area where the child lives to determine whether there are other cases and has heightened vector control activities. Minister of Health Horace Dalley will provide a full update to the nation at a press briefing to be held on Monday, February 1, 2016. In the meantime, the ministry is advising people, particularly pregnant women, to take extra precaution to prevent being bitten by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which transmit the Zika virus. There is adequate medication available in the public health system at this time to treat the symptoms of Zika virus infection in the event of additional cases being identified, the ministry said. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Jamaica-confirms-first-case-of-Zika-Virus