Press Conference 

WHO 
 
Subject:   

WHO update on global response to microcephaly, neurological disorders and Zika virus.

WHO has launched a global prevention and control strategy to guide its international response to the spread of Zika virus infection and the neonatal malformations and neurological conditions associated with it.
 
The strategy includes working with partners to investigate and respond to increases in microcephaly and other neurological disorders in areas where there are also Zika outbreaks, to contain the spread of Zika virus, and fast track R & D, and boost preparedness in at risk countries.  
 
Zika has catalysed immediate action to put into place some of the practical processes that will underpin WHO’s new programme on outbreaks and emergencies.
 
WHO will also give an overview of the vector control measures that work to prevent Zika.

Speakers: 

• Dr Bruce Aylward, Executive Director, Outbreaks and Health Emergencies (ai), WHO
• Dr Pedro Alonso, Director Global Malaria Programme, WHO

Date : 
Friday, 19 February 2016, at 2.30 p.m. (Geneva time)

Edited February 19, 201610 yr by niman

Gregory Härtl ‏@HaertlG 10m10 minutes agoGeneva, Switzerland

.@hniman @WHO 14h30 GVA-time. Audiofile will be sent out afterwards @WHO #Zika #ZikaVirus

publications/zika/safe

Audio

http://terrance.who.int/mediacentre/presser/WHO-RUSH_Zika_virus_update_presser_UNOG_19FEB2016.mp3

 

Increase microcephaly in 2 countries - French Polynesia (2013/2014) and Brazil.

Eight countries with Guillain-Barré issues.

Six with  increases = Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Suriname, Venezuela, French Polynesia.

Two with cases in Zika cases = Puerto Rico and Martinique

Edited February 19, 201610 yr by niman

Epi curves show that GBS lags Zika cases by 3 weeks and microcephaly lags by 35 weeks (6 minute mark)

Edited February 19, 201610 yr by niman