scholarly journals Zika virus and measures of legal interventions in public health

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 393
Author(s):  
José Luiz Gondim dos Santos ◽  
Marcos Vinicius Malveira de Lima ◽  
Francisco Naildo Cardoso Leitão ◽  
Vitor Djannaro Eliamen da Costa ◽  
Hugo Macedo Jr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
World Health ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Municipal Governments ◽  
Unified Health System ◽  
Efficient Management ◽  
Action Awareness ◽  
The Social ◽  
Educational Campaigns

The zika virus is an emerging and important world health problem. In public health its harmful effects have stimulated various legal interests. The Federal Government of Brazil recently adopted several social and health surveillance measures, extending the instruments of possibilities to combating the virus transmitter in Brazil. Law No. 13.306/2016 brought incisive determinations about action awareness policies and educational campaigns, and at the same time authorizes the highest authorities of the Unified Health System (SUS) within federal, state, county and municipal governments to establish and implement the necessary measures to control the diseases caused by the virus, i.e. dengue, chikungunya and zika. The published legislation has created a motivating environment for researchers to develop projects aimed at the mosquito that transmits the dengue virus, the chikungunya virus and the zika virus. Therefore, studies on A. aegypti have led to greater scientifi c knowledge about its habitat, reproduction and development and a description of means to combat it, as a precondition for the ful filment of the social purposes of Law No. 13.301, of June 27, 2016, mainly if researches about more efficient management models and management of public finances, contributing to unveiling impacts on public health and growth and human development.

scholarly journals Quarantine for Zika Virus? Where is the Science?

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 704-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristi L. Koenig
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Spread Of Infection

AbstractIn January 2016, the World Health Organization warned that Zika virus is “spreading explosively” in the Americas and that up to 4 million infections could be present worldwide within a year. Soon thereafter, some politicians and authors publicly advocated for quarantine of travelers returning from regions where mosquitoes carrying Zika virus are prevalent. The public health tool of quarantine can be used to prevent the spread of infection by restricting the movement of persons who have been exposed to a deadly disease that can be transmitted from person to person before symptom onset. With 80% of Zika virus infections being asymptomatic, no rapid test being available to detect the virus, and primary transmission being via the bites of certain mosquitoes, application of quarantine in this setting is not scientifically sound or practically feasible. Rather, public health interventions should focus on preventing bites from infected mosquitoes, counseling pregnant women on the risks of fetal microcephaly and other birth defects, and identifying patients with signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome. As was seen in the Ebola virus disease outbreak of 2014, non-evidence-based factors can influence policy decisions. Public health experts must ensure that policy makers are informed that quarantine is not a scientifically sound approach for the control of Zika virus. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;0:1–3)

scholarly journals Immunological Assays used to Support Efficacy of Zika Virus Vaccines

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Kenneth H. Eckels ◽  
Rafael A. De La Barrera ◽  
Joseph Robert Putnak
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Candidates ◽  
The World ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Immunological Assays ◽  
Health Organization

In February of 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus (ZIKV) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This prompted a rapid response from both the private and public sector resulting in the generation of several promising vaccine candidates. In this review, we discuss published scientific efforts associated with these novel vaccines, emphasizing the immunological assays used to evaluate their immunogenicity and efficacy, and support future licensure.

scholarly journals Zika Virus: A Review of Management Considerations and Controversies at Six Months

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-284
Author(s):  
Laura Singer ◽  
Kelly G. Vest ◽  
Charles W. Beadling
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
International Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Neurologic Disorders ◽  
Control Disease ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Health Regulations

AbstractZika virus continues to pose a significant global health threat. While the outbreak pattern may seemingly mirror those of other arboviruses, unique transmission characteristics and clinical outcomes warrant a different approach to traditional public health practices. Sexual transmission and virus-associated fetal and nonfetal neurologic disorders specifically challenge conventional methods of disease protection and prevention with regard to vector control, disease surveillance, and health risk communication. The protocols for outbreak and case limitation led by the World Health Organization (in accordance with Public Health Emergency of International Concern declaration) may be augmented by localized risk categorization and assignment for Zika and future emergent outbreaks. There is currently a great deal of “behind the scenes” discussion about modifications to the formal process described in the International Health Regulations. A scalable, adaptable, and flexible process is needed that can be customized to a specific threat. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:279–284)

Zika

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 224-227
Author(s):  
Rabia Aftab
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Geographic Spread ◽  
The World ◽  
Public Health Threat ◽  
Health Organization

The Zika virus (ZIKV), first discovered in 1947, has emerged as a global public health threat over the last decade, with an accelerated geographic spread of the virus occurring in the last 5 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that millions of cases of ZIKV are likely to occur in the Americas between 2016 and 2017. These projections, in conjunction with an increase in newborn microcephaly cases that are suspected to be ZIKV-associated, prompted the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern in February 2016. With the current media attention, it is likely that GPs will be consulted on th topic, particularly by pregnant women.

scholarly journals Zika Virus: A Basic Overview of an Emerging Arboviral Infection in the Western Hemisphere

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 707-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly G. Vest
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Western Hemisphere ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
World Health ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Control

AbstractSince February 2015, Zika virus has spread throughout the Western Hemisphere, starting in Brazil. As of March 2016, autochthonous transmission has been reported in at least 31 countries or territories. For countries in the Americas, the spread of Zika virus, a previously unfamiliar disease, follows similar emerging infection introductions of West Nile virus and Chikungunya virus and their spread throughout the American continents and the Caribbean nations. The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have issued alerts and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern announcement related to the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders in Brazil that are temporally associated with Zika virus, which highlights the possible adverse impact of viral infection. This article provides an overview of the Zika virus infection and presents the historical background of the virus, a description of the pathogen, the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of Zika virus infection, diagnosis and treatment approaches, and prevention and control measures. Understanding what is known about the virus and its clinical presentation will assist in prevention, detection, and response measures to reduce and control the spread of the virus throughout the Western Hemisphere. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 6)

scholarly journals Georgia’s Rapid Expansion of Mosquito Surveillance in Response to Zika Virus

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Ruston ◽  
Deonte Martin ◽  
Rosmarie Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
World Health ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Mosquito Surveillance ◽  
Vector Transmission ◽  
The Public ◽  
Primary Vector

ObjectiveTo describe the Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH)mosquito surveillance capacity before and after Zika virus wasdeclared a public health emergency, review and compare mosquitosurveillance results from 2015 to 2016, and evaluate the risk ofautochthonous vector transmission of Zika virus based on 2016surveillance data ofAedes aegyptiandAedes albopictusmosquitoes.IntroductionZika virus was declared an international public health emergencyby the World Health Organization on February 1, 2016. WithGeorgia hosting the world’s busiest international airport and a sub-tropical climate that can support the primary Zika virus vector,Aedesaegypti,and secondary vector, Aedes albopictus,the CDC designatedGeorgia as a high risk state for vector transmission. Faced with alack of mosquito surveillance data to evaluate risk of autochthonoustransmission and a few counties statewide that provide comprehensivemosquito control, the DPH rapidly scaled up a response. DPH updatedexisting mosquito surveillance and response plans targeted for WestNile Virus (WNV) and expanded capacity to areas that lackedprevious surveillance targeting the Zika virus vector.MethodsMosquito surveillance data provided by DPH was analyzedfor years 2015 and 2016 to date. The geographical distribution ofcounties conducting surveillance, total number and percentage bymosquito species collected in 2015 were compared to 2016 data.The distribution of counties conducting surveillance was mappedusing ArcMap 10.4.1 for pre and post Zika response. Autochthonousvector transmission risk was evaluated based on the overall numbersand percentages ofAedes aegyptiandAedes albopictusmosquitoescollected for 2016.ResultsIn 2015, Georgia had 14 counties conducting mosquitosurveillance, with a DPH entomologist providing direct surveillancein 4 of these counties. In 2016, DPH expanded surveillance capacity to34 counties, a 142% increase, geographically dispersed across theState in urban and rural areas. A total of 76,052 mosquitoes weretrapped and identified in 2015 compared to 91,261 mosquitoes trappedto date in 2016, representing a 20% increase. A total of 37 mosquitospecies were identified in both years withCulex quinquefasciatus,Georgia’s primary WNV vector, representing the highest percentage(2015-79.45% and 2016-70.41%) of mosquitoes trapped overall.In addition,Aedes aegyptirepresented only 0.108% and 0.007% ofthe total mosquitoes trapped respectively each year and was found inone county.Aedes albopictusrepresented only 1.50% and 1.82% ofthe total mosquitoes trapped respectively each year and was found ina majority of the counties conducting surveillance.ConclusionsDPH was able to rapidly expand its surveillance capacity statewideby maximizing existing grant funds to hire new surveillance staffwhile also collaborating with academic institutions, military bases,Georgia Mosquito Control Association, and local health departmentsto provide training and funding for surveillance and data sharing. Thisexpanded surveillance network provided a clearer picture of the typesof mosquitoes potentially exposing the public to mosquito-bornedisease risks.Historical data for the primary vector of Zika virus,Aedesaegyptihas been isolated to just two counties in Georgia. Expandedsurveillance in 2016 confirmed a low abundance ofAedes aegypti,suggesting the primary vector for Zika has been displaced byAedesalbopictus. This may suggest a reduced risk of autochthonoustransmission of Zika virus in Georgia due toAedes albopictus’affinity for feeding on both humans and animals. This should beinterpreted with caution due to limitations in the data related tounstandardized reporting techniques for each county. DPH is workingwith all counties to improve the quality of data collected and reportedand continues to educate the public on ways they can reduce theirindividual risk of mosquito bites, which in turn reduces the risk ofother mosquito-borne diseases such as WNV.In conclusion, DPH’s response to Zika virus allowed it to rapidlyincrease its surveillance footprint and with new data, make soundpublic health decisions regarding mosquito-borne disease risks.

scholarly journals Zika Virus: A Global Threat

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-35
Author(s):  
Jannatul Fardows ◽  
Nasreen Farhana ◽  
Abu Bakar Siddique
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Global Threat

Zika virus is a enveloped, non-segmented, ichoshedral single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus. It belongs to the Flaviviridae and was first isolated in 1947 from a monkey in the Zika forest, Uganda, then in mosquitoes (Aedes africanus) in the same forest in 1948 and in a human in Nigeria in 1952. Before 2007, viral circulation and a few outbreaks were documented in tropical Africa and in some areas in Southeast Asia. In 2015, Zika viral disease outbreaks were reported in Brazil of South America for the first time and it is now considered as an emerging infectious disease. This ongoing outbreak of Zika virus that began in Brazil has spread too much of South and Central America (except Canada and Chile) and the Caribbean. According to the CDC, Brazilian health authorities reported more than 404 cases of microcephaly between October 2015 and January 2016. Seventeen of those cases have a confirmed link to the Zika virus. Its natural reservoir is yet to be unknown. Transmission mainly by mosquito Aedes aegypti but it can be transmitted from human to human by blood transfusion, saliva, urine and sexual contact. Most dangerous transmission is mother to fetus through placenta. Its actual pathogenesis is not clear but the pathogenesis of the virus is hypothesized to start with an infection of dendritic cells near the site of inoculation, followed by a spread to lymph nodes and the bloodstream Other than congenital malformation (microcephaly) disease symptoms are usually mild and short-lasting self-limiting febrile illness of 4-7 days duration without severe complications. No commercial diagnostic method against Zika virus are available. The virus constitutes an important public health threat in America and also worldwide as no effective treatment or vaccine is available till now. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the microcephaly condition, linked to the mosquito-borne virus, a global public health emergency.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 7, No. 2: Jul 2016, P 29-35

scholarly journals Serologic Tools and Strategies to Support Intervention Trials to Combat Zika Virus Infection and Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew H. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Zika Virus Infection

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus that recently caused a large epidemic in Latin America characterized by novel disease phenotypes, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, sexual transmission, and congenital anomalies, such as microcephaly. This epidemic, which was declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization, has highlighted shortcomings in our current understanding of, and preparation for, emerging infectious diseases in general, as well as challenges that are specific to Zika virus infection. Vaccine development for Zika virus has been a high priority of the public health response, and several candidates have shown promise in pre-clinical and early phase clinical trials. The optimal selection and implementation of imperfect serologic assays are among the crucial issues that must be addressed in order to advance Zika vaccine development. Here, I review key considerations for how best to incorporate into Zika vaccine trials the existing serologic tools, as well as those on the horizon. Beyond that, this discussion is relevant to other intervention strategies to combat Zika and likely other emerging infectious diseases.

scholarly journals ZIKA VIRUS: A BRIEF REVIEW

2020 ◽  
pp. 21-24
Author(s):  
KANAAN AL-TAMEEMI ◽  
RAIAAN KABAKLI
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Health Organization

This review highlights the Zika virus which is considered a global concern due to its rapid pandemic potential and effect on humans, and according to its pandemic status, the World Health Organization declared on February 2016 it as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” Therefore, we define the epidemiology of Zika virus in addition to its pathogenesis, diagnostic techniques, and treatment.

scholarly journals An initiative of cooperation in Zika virus research: the experience of the ZIKABRA study in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvana Pereira Giozza ◽  
◽  
Ximena Pamela Díaz Bermúdez ◽  
Edna Oliveira Kara ◽  
Guilherme Amaral Calvet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Governance ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Laboratory Equipment ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background The Zika virus outbreak has triggered a set of local and global actions for a rapid, effective, and timely public health response. A World Health Organization (WHO) initiative, supported by the Department of Chronic Condition Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections (DCCI) of the Health Surveillance Secretariat (SVS), Brazil Ministry of Health (MoH) and other public health funders, resulted in the start of the “Study on the persistence of Zika virus in body fluids of patients with ZIKV infection in Brazil – ZIKABRA study”. The ZIKABRA study was designed to increase understanding of how long ZIKV persists in bodily fluids and informing best measures to prevent its transmission. Data collection began in July 2017 and the last follow up visit occurred in 06/26/2020. Methods A framework for the ZIKABRA Cooperation initiative is provided through a description and analysis of the mechanisms, strategies and the ethos that have guided the models of international governance and technical cooperation in health for scientific exchange in the context of a public health emergency. Among the methodological strategies, we included a review of the legal documents that supported the ZIKABRA Cooperation; weekly documents produced in the meetings and working sessions; technical reports; memorandum of understanding and the research protocol. Conclusion We highlight the importance of working in cooperation between different institutional actors to achieve more significant results than that obtained by each group working in isolation. In addition, we point out the advantages of training activities, ongoing supervision, the construction of local installed research capacity, training academic and non-academic human resources, improvement of laboratory equipment, knowledge transfer and the availability of the ZIKABRA study protocol for development of similar studies, favoring the collective construction of knowledge to provide public health emergency responses. Strategy harmonization; human resources and health services; timing and recruiting particularities and processing institutional clearance in the different sites can be mentioned as challenges in this type of initiative.

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