[UPDATED JUNE 2016] As of February 2, 2016, the World Health Organization has declared Zika Virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus, transmitted via Aedes mosquitos, that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.*
Zika is new to the Americas. Since Brazil reported the first cases of local transmission of the virus in May 2015, it has spread to 21 countries and territories* of the Americas (as of 23 January 2016).** As of the past few months, some countries were suggesting that women wait to become pregnant until the local cases of Zika virus have abated.
There are two main reasons for the virus’s rapid spread: (1) the population of the Americas had not previously been exposed to Zika and therefore lacks immunity, and (2) Aedes mosquitoes—the main vector for Zika transmission—are present in all the region’s countries except Canada and continental Chile. PAHO anticipates that Zika virus will continue to spread and will likely reach all countries and territories of the region where Aedes mosquitoes are found.
The most effective forms of prevention are
- Reducing mosquito populations by eliminating their potential breeding sites, especially containers and other items (such as discarded tires) that can collect water in and around households
- Using personal protection measures to prevent mosquito bites
The Health COMpass provies below a collection of project materials as well as tools for social and behavior change communication to prevent Zika virus infection. Please add your own materials by registering on the Health COMpass and contributing.
Banner photo: Members of the Brazilian Air Force pose with a Zika mosquito mascot – credit St. Johnson, Forca Aerea Brasilia, Johnson Barros, retrieved from Flickr