2. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
Zika virus is an emerging viral disease that is transmitted through the bite of
an infected mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti. Brazil has been particularly
hit by Zika – and microcephaly, the condition that causes smaller heads in
newborns that is being linked to the virus.
Fig: Adult Aedes aegypti mosquito, a vector or carrier of the Zika virus
3. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
Many people infected with Zika virus
won’t have symptoms or will only have
mild symptoms including fever, rash,
joint pain, headache, muscle pain and
conjunctivitis (red eyes);
Zika virus infection during pregnancy
is a cause of congenital microcephaly
and severe brain abnormalities.
4. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
Zika virus outbreaks:
The most alarming Zika virus
outbreak began in northeast Brazil
in early 2015.By May, the Pan
American Health Organization
issued an alert regarding the first
confirmed case in Brazil,according
to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention(CDC).
5. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
Emergency response of Zika virus outbreak:
In response to the Zika virus outbreak, Brazil's National Biosafety
Committee approved the releases of more genetically modified Aedes
aegypti mosquitoes throughout their country.
The response of CDC:
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) activated its Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) for Zika virus.The EOC monitors and coordinates the
emergency response for Zika virus bringing together CDC scientists with
expertise.
The EOC was actively:
Conducting studies to evaluate Zika virus and its link to microcephaly as
well as its transmission;
6. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
Developing tests to diagnose Zika virus;
Providing surveillance for the virus in Brazil and its territories;
Providing support on the ground for Brazil;
Providing guidance for travelers and the people living in areas with
current outbreaks.
On December 5, 2015 the President of Brazil launched the National
Microcephaly Response Plan, involving 19 institutions and structured on
three pillars: 1) vector control, 2) health care, 3) research & education.
7. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
The response of WHO
Since the first reports of Zika virus in the Americas World Health
Organization (WHO) has released the strategic emergency response and
joint operations to investigate and respond to Zika virus.
Providing guidance and mitigating the impact on women of
childbearing age and those who are pregnant as well as families with
children affected by the virus;
8. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
WHO's dedicated Zika website
hosts a rich range of public
information materials about Zika
virus and its potential
complications, including videos,
questions and answers, factsheets
and infographics
9. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
WHO has rapidly produced and
translated more than 20 expert
guidance documents on topics ranging
from psychosocial support for
mothers to surveillance guidance for
entomologists. Guidance was
regularly reviewed and updated
10. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
WHO Zika apps for android and IOS
mobile devices helped to keep health
workers and the public connected to
the latest guidance and developments
11. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
Funding for the strategic Response and joint operations plan was at $ 56
million according to WHO. Twenty three partners were participating in
this response.
The Brazilian federal government mobilized 60% of the country's Armed
Forces, or about 220,000 soldiers, to warn and educate the populations
of 350 municipalities on how to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
13. The Emergency Response Of ZIKA Virus
Outbreak In BRAZIL,2015
Public health professionals were integral in raising awareness and
providing solutions to emergencies like Zika virus.Rivier
University’s online B.S. Public Health and online Master of Public
Health provide students with the knowledge and skills to address
public health issues and promote healthy choices.