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WHO Zika Virus, Microcephaly and Guillain-Barré Syndrome Situation Report, 30 June 2016

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Summary

  • As of 29 June 2016, 61 countries and territories report continuing mosquito-borne transmission (Fig. 1) of which:

  • 47 countries are experiencing a first outbreak of Zika virus since 2015, with no previous evidence of circulation, and with ongoing transmission by mosquitos (Table 1).

  • 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).

  • Ten countries have reported evidence of person-to-person transmission of Zika virus, probably via a sexual route (Table 2).

  • In the week to 29 June 2016, no new country or territory has reported mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission.

  • As of 29 June 2016, microcephaly and other central nervous system (CNS) malformations potentially associated with Zika virus infection or suggestive of congenital infection have been reported by thirteen countries or territories. Three of those countries reported microcephaly cases born from mothers with a recent travel history to Zika affected countries in Latin America (Table 3).

  • As of 16 June, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC) reported four live born infants with birth defects and four pregnancy losses with birth defects with laboratory evidence of possible Zika virus infection In addition, a baby with microcephaly was born in the United States of America to a mother who is a resident of Haiti.

  • On 20 June 2016, French Guiana reported the first case of congenital microcephaly associated with Zika virus infection in a pregnant woman. Microcephaly in the fetus has been diagnosed through ultrasound, and the amniotic fluid tested positive for Zika virus by RT-PCR 4.

  • In the context of Zika virus circulation, 14 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 (Table 4).

  • Zika infection was diagnosed in one patient with GBS and six others are under investigation in Guadeloupe 5.

  • Based on research to date, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and GBS.

  • Sequencing of the virus that causes the Zika outbreak in Cabo Verde showed that the virus is of the Asian lineage and the same as the one that circulates in Brazil.

  • The third meeting of the Emergency Committee (EC) convened by the Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) regarding microcephaly, other neurological disorders and Zika virus was held by on 14 June 20166.

  • The global Strategic Response Framework launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in February 2016 encompasses surveillance, response activities and research. An interim report has been published on some of the key activities being undertaken jointly by WHO and international, regional and national partners in response to this public health emergency. A revised strategy for the period of July 2016 to December 2017 was published on 17 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.