Zika virus [to 14 May 2016]
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
http://www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/en/

Zika situation report – 12 May 2016
Zika virus, Microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome
Read the full situation report
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.
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Zika virus and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016
WHO statement
12 May 2016
WHO and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recognize that athletes and visitors are seeking more information on the risks of Zika and ways to prevent infection while attending the Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016 (5 August to 18 September 2016).

Brazil is one of the 58 countries and territories which to-date report continuing transmission of Zika virus by mosquitoes. While mosquitoes are the primary vectors, a person infected with Zika virus can also transmit the virus to another person through unprotected sex. Zika virus disease usually causes mild symptoms(1), and most people will not develop any symptoms. However, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly (children being born with unusually small heads) and other brain malformations and disorders in babies born to women who were infected with Zika virus during pregnancy, and Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare but serious neurological disorder that could lead to paralysis and death).

Athletes and visitors to Rio de Janeiro, and other areas where Zika virus is circulating, are being encouraged to:
:: follow the travel advice(2) provided by WHO and their countries’ health authorities, and consult a health worker before travelling;
:: whenever possible, during the day, protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellents and by wearing clothing – preferably light-coloured – that covers as much of the body as possible;
:: practice safer sex (e.g. use condoms correctly and consistently) or abstain from sex during their stay and for at least 4 weeks after their return, particularly if they have had or are experiencing symptoms of Zika virus;
:: choose air-conditioned accommodation (windows and doors are usually kept closed to prevent the cool air from escaping, and mosquitoes cannot enter the rooms);
:: avoid visiting impoverished and over-crowded areas in cities and towns with no piped water and poor sanitation (ideal breeding grounds of mosquitoes) where the risk of being bitten is higher.

Pregnant women continue to be advised not to travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission. This includes Rio de Janeiro. Pregnant women’s sex partners returning from areas with circulating virus continue to be counselled to practice safer sex or abstain throughout the pregnancy(3). The Games will take place during Brazil’s wintertime, when there are fewer active mosquitoes and the risk of being bitten is lower.

WHO/PAHO is providing public health advice to the Government of Brazil and, under a Memorandum of Understanding, the International Olympic Committee and, by extension, the Rio 2016 Local Organizing Committee, on ways to further mitigate the risk of athletes and visitors contracting Zika virus during the Games. An important focus of WHO advice revolves around measures to reduce populations of Aedes mosquitoes which transmit chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever in addition to Zika virus.

WHO/PAHO will continue to monitor the Zika virus transmission and risks in Brazil and in other affected areas to provide updates on how Zika virus outbreaks, risks and prevention interventions develop between now and August and beyond.
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WHO: Recovery toolkit: Supporting countries to achieve health service resilience
May 2016 :: 99 pages
WHO reference number: WHO/HIS/SDS/2016.2
Pdf: Recovery toolkit: Supporting countries to achieve health service resilience
pdf, 1.98 mb
Overview
The recovery toolkit is a library of guidance resources in a single place which can be quickly and easily accessed, to guide action. A key purpose of the Recovery Toolkit is to support countries in the reactivation of health services which may have suffered as a result of the emergency. These services include ongoing programmes such as immunization and vaccinations, maternal and child health services, and noncommunicable diseases. But in addition, and because the Toolkit contains core information needed to achieve functioning national health systems, it also supports countries to implement their national health plans during the recovery phase of a public health emergency.
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Zika Open [to 14 May 2016]
[Bulletin of the World Health Organization]
:: All papers available here
No new papers posted
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CDC/ACIP [to 14 May 2016]
http://www.cdc.gov/media/index.html
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016
CDC Announces Funds for States and Territories to Prepare for Zika
U.S. states and territories can now apply to CDC for funds to fight Zika locally. More than $85 million in redirected funds identified by the Department of Health and Human…

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016
CDC adds Grenada to interim travel guidance related to Zika virus
Today, CDC posted a Zika virus travel notice for Grenada. CDC has issued travel notices (level 2, “practice enhanced precautions”) for people traveling to destinations with Zika.

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2016
CDC adds Saint Barthelemy to interim travel guidance related to Zika virus
Today, CDC posted a Zika virus travel notice for Saint Barthelemy. CDC has issued travel notices (level 2, “practice enhanced precautions”) for people traveling to destinations with Zika.

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MMWR May 13, 2016 / Vol. 65 / No. 18
:: Interim Guidance for Zika Virus Testing of Urine — United States, 2016
:: Comparison of Test Results for Zika Virus RNA in Urine, Serum, and Saliva Specimens from Persons with Travel-Associated Zika Virus Disease — Florida, 2016
:: Reduced Incidence of Chikungunya Virus Infection in Communities with Ongoing Aedes Aegypti Mosquito Trap Intervention Studies — Salinas and Guayama, Puerto Rico, November 2015–February 2016

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United Nations Zika Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund Launched
6 May 2016
SG/2228
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has established the United Nations Zika Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund to finance critical unfunded priorities in the response to the Zika outbreak. The Trust Fund provides a rapid, flexible and accountable platform to support a coordinated response from the United Nations system and partners.

Urgent funds are required to support the implementation of national response plans and address the broader social and economic challenges that lie ahead. The United Nations Zika Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund will directly support the Zika Strategic Response Framework, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in consultation with United Nations agencies, partners, and international epidemiological experts.

Donors contribute to a central point and an Advisory Committee directs funds to the highest-priority activities in the affected countries…