On 18 March 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Panama notified PAHO/WHO of a newborn with concomitant microcephaly, occipital encephalocele and Zika virus infection.
The infant, who was born at 31 weeks of gestation, passed away on 17 March, within a few hours after birth. Ultrasonography performed at 19 weeks of gestation indicated deficits in the development of neural tube and microcephaly. Samples from the umbilical cord were collected and sent to the Gorgas Medical Institute and Laboratory for testing. Zika virus was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Samples of the infant’s mother tested negative for the virus.
WHO risk assessment
This is the first case of Zika virus infection detected in a newborn with microcephaly in Panama. The currently available information is insufficient to rule out the possibility that the mother became infected with the virus late in her pregnancy. Furthermore, information on other potential risk factors for microcephaly is not available. Therefore, at present, is not possible to establish a link between the detected Zika virus infection and the observed microcephaly. WHO continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and conduct risk assessment based on the latest available information.
WHO advice
The proximity of mosquito vector breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection. Prevention and control relies on reducing the breeding of mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people. This can be achieved by reducing the number of natural and artificial water-filled habitats that support mosquito larvae, reducing the adult mosquito populations around at-risk communities and by using barriers such as insect screens, closed doors and windows, long clothing and repellents. Since the Aedes mosquitoes (the primary vector for transmission) are day-biting mosquitoes, it is recommended that those who sleep during the daytime, particularly young children, the sick or elderly, should rest under mosquito nets (bed nets), treated with or without insecticide to provide protection.
During outbreaks, space spraying of insecticides may be carried out following the technical orientation provided by WHO to kill flying mosquitoes. Suitable insecticides (recommended by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme) may also be used as larvicides to treat relatively large water containers, when this is technically indicated.
Basic precautions for protection from mosquito bites should be taken by people traveling to high risk areas, especially pregnant women. These include use of repellents, wearing light colored, long sleeved shirts and pants and ensuring rooms are fitted with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
Although the risk of transmission of Zika virus through sexual activity is considered to be very limited, based on precautionary principles, WHO recommends the following:
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All patients (male and female) with Zika virus infection and their sexual partners (particularly pregnant women) should receive information about the potential risks of sexual transmission of Zika virus, contraceptive measures and safer sexual practices, and should be provided with condoms when feasible. Women who have had unprotected sex and do not wish to become pregnant because of concern with infection with Zika virus should also have ready access to emergency contraceptive services and counselling.
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Sexual partners of pregnant women, living in or returning from areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur, should use safer sexual practices or abstinence from sexual activity for the duration of the pregnancy.
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As most Zika virus infections are asymptomatic:
- Men and women living in areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur should consider adopting safer sexual practices or abstaining from sexual activity.
- Men and women returning from areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur should adopt safer sexual practices or consider abstinence for at least four weeks after return.
Independently of considerations regarding Zika virus, WHO always recommends the use of safer sexual practices, including the correct and consistent use of condoms to prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.
WHO does not recommend routine semen testing to detect Zika virus.
WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restriction to Panama based on the current information available.