Zika virus [to 21 May 2016]
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
http://www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/en/

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WHO confirms Zika virus strain imported from the Americas to Cabo Verde
News Release
20 MAY 2016 | BRAZZAVILLE – Sequencing of the virus in Cabo Verde by Institut Pasteur, Dakar confirms that the Zika virus currently circulating in Cabo Verde is the same as the one circulating in the Americas – the Asian type- and was most likely imported from Brazil. This is the first time that the Zika strain responsible for the outbreaks linked to neurological disorders and microcephaly has been detected in Africa.

“The findings are of concern because it is further proof that the outbreak is spreading beyond South America and is on the doorstep of Africa. This information will help African countries to re-evaluate their level of risk and adapt and increase their levels of preparedness,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

As a first step, these countries should heighten risk communication to pregnant women to raise awareness of complications associated with the Asian type of Zika virus and promote protection steps to avoid mosquito bites as well as sexual transmission. In addition, countries should increase their surveillance for Zika transmission and congenital malformations, such as microcephaly, as well as Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Activated since February 2016, WHO Zika Virus Disease Incident Management System in Brazzaville and at Headquarters will continue to review existing risk assessments, increase surveillance, and assess laboratory testing capacity and support community engagement and risk communications in priority countries. In addition, WHO and its partners will support the countries in the African region to step up preparedness efforts for early detection, confirmation and management of potential complications related to Zika infection. The response will build on investments in strengthened systems made in West Africa during the Ebola emergency.

Zika in Cabo Verde
As of 8 May 2016, there have been 7557 suspected cases of Zika in Cabo Verde. Three cases of microcephaly have been reported from Cabo Verde with one case reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after being delivered in the United States. So far, no case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has been reported from Cabo Verde.

WHO – Press Conference: Update on Zika Virus in Cabo Verde (Geneva, 20 May 2016)
[Video: 37:06]
20 May 2016 – WHO update on Zika virus in Cabo Verde. The speakers will present the latest development on Zika virus in Cabo Verde

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WHO calls on countries to prepare as Zika virus expected to spread in Europe
18 May 2016
A new WHO report assesses the risk of a Zika virus disease outbreak occurring during late spring and summer in the European Region. While the overall risk is low to moderate, countries where Aedes mosquitoes are present are more likely to experience a Zika virus outbreak.

The report contains a series of actions that WHO recommends for countries, according to their likelihood of Zika transmission. WHO urges European countries, especially those with high and moderate likelihood of local Zika virus transmission, to follow these recommendations to prevent or rapidly contain a Zika virus disease outbreak.

WHO’s support to European countries to prepare for and respond to health risks such as Zika virus disease is a key aspect of the reform of WHO’s work in emergencies.

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Zika situation report – 19 May 2016
Zika virus, Microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome
Read the full situation report
Summary
:: As of 18 May 2016, 60 countries and territories report continuing mosquito-borne transmission of which:
…46 countries are experiencing a first outbreak of Zika virus since 2015, with no previous evidence of circulation, and with ongoing transmission by mosquitoes.
…14 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:
:: Ten countries have reported evidence of person-to-person transmission of Zika virus, probably via a sexual route.
:: In the week to 18 May 2016, Argentina 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 eight countries or territories. Puerto Rico is the latest territory to report a case of microcephaly associated with Zika virus.
:: Two cases of microcephaly and other neurological abnormalities are currently under verification in Spain and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
:: 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. One GBS case associated with Zika virus infection in a returning traveller to the Netherlands has been reported.
:: Based on research to date, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of
:: 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. 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 Open [to 21 May 2016]
[Bulletin of the World Health Organization]
:: All papers available here
No new papers posted

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CDC/ACIP [to 21 May 2016]
http://www.cdc.gov/media/index.html
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016
Transcript for CDC Telebriefing: Zika Virus Update – 5-20-2016
DR. DENISE JAMIESON: Good morning. As of today, national reporting of the number of U.S. pregnant women affected by Zika virus will change. Previously CDC reported the number of pregnant women with Zika virus which included only pregnant women with symptoms or pregnancy complications consistent with Zika. CDC will now report pregnancy data from two enhanced surveillance systems (The U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry and the Puerto Rico Active surveillance system. Both of these systems include pregnant women with any laboratory evidence of possible Zika virus infection with or without symptoms. The new reporting systems are the topic of a MMWR, which has just been released. And we also be shortly updating the pregnancy numbers on the CDC’s website. I’ll now turn it over to Dr. Margaret Honein for additional comments….

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016
CDC Changes Reporting of Numbers of Pregnant Women affected by Zika Virus