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| Credit WHO |
# 11,367
The World Health Organization has posted its weekly Sitrep on Zika, Microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. I've only posted the summary, follow the link to download and read the full 6-page PDF report.
Zika situation report
12 May 2016
Zika virus, Microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome
Summary
- As of 11 May 2016, 58 countries and territories report continuing mosquito-borne transmission of which:
- 45 countries are experiencing a first outbreak of Zika virus since 2015, with no previous evidence of circulation, and with ongoing transmission by mosquitoes.
- 13 countries reported evidence of Zika virus transmission between 2007 and 2014, with ongoing transmission.
- In addition, four countries or territories have reported evidence of Zika virus transmission between 2007 and 2014, without ongoing transmission: Cook Islands, French Polynesia, ISLA DE PASCUA – Chile and YAP (Federated States of Micronesia).
- Person-to-person transmission:
- Nine countries have reported evidence of person-to-person transmission of Zika virus, probably via a sexual route.
- In the week to 11 May 2016, Grenada is the latest country to report mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission.
- Microcephaly, and other fetal malformations potentially associated with Zika virus infection or suggestive of congenital infection, have been reported in seven countries or territories. Two cases, each linked to a stay in Brazil, were detected in Slovenia and the United States of America. One additional case, linked to a brief stay in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, was detected in a pregnant woman in the United States of America.
- Three cases of microcephaly and other neurological abnormalities are under verification in Venezuela, Honduras and Spain (linked to a stay in Latin America).
- In the context of Zika virus circulation, 13 countries and territories worldwide have reported an increased incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and/or laboratory confirmation of a Zika virus infection among GBS cases.
- Based on research to date, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and GBS.
- The global prevention and control strategy launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Strategic Response Framework encompasses surveillance, response activities and research. Key interventions are being undertaken jointly by WHO and international, regional and national partners in response to this public health emergency.
- Incident managers from the six WHO Regional Offices and headquarters, as well as relevant technical and support staff, met in Washington D.C., USA on 4 and 5 May 2016 to review past and ongoing activities, to discuss key lessons and to develop a strategy for future action to ensure that the response collaboration continues to work effectively. A draft of the Strategic Response Framework for the second half of 2016 will be shared with partners mid-May and finalized by mid-June.
- WHO has developed new advice and information on diverse topics in the context of Zika virus. WHO’s latest information materials, news and resources to support corporate and programmatic risk communication, and community engagement are available online.
