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Roundup: Microcephaly, neurologic disorders in America constitutes public health emergency: WHO

Xinhua, February 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

The recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurologic disorders reported in Brazil constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday night.

The announcement came after WHO convened its first Emergency Committee meeting on Zika virus.

Zika virus outbreak in some countries of the Americas, notably Brazil, has been associated with a steep increase in the birth of babies with abnormally small heads and in cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

"The casual relations between the Zika infection during pregnancy and microcephly is strongly suspected, though not scientifically proven," said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, declaring the "extraordinarily event" at a press conference.

Chen said the broad geographical distribution of mosquito spices can transmit the virus, lack of vaccines, rapid and reliable diagnoses tests, and absence of population immunity in newly affected countries are further causes for concerns.

She called for a coordinated international response to minimize the threats in affected countries and reduce the risk of further spread.

As a precautionary measure, the Emergency Committee recommended the surveillance for Zika virus infection should be enhanced, with the dissemination of standard case definitions and diagnostics to at-risk areas.

Vector control measures and appropriate personal protective measures should be aggressively promoted and implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to Zika virus.

In addition, pregnant women who have been exposed to Zika virus should be counseled and followed for birth outcomes based on the best available information and national practice and policies.

Following HINI, polio and Ebola outbreaks, the current clusters marked the 4th time WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations. WHO did not recommend any restrictions on travel or trade with countries with Zika virus transmission. Endit