CDC STACKS serves as an archival repository of CDC-published products including scientific findings, journal articles, guidelines, recommendations, or other public health information authored or co-authored by CDC or funded partners.
As a repository, CDC STACKS retains documents in their original published format to ensure public access to scientific information.
i
Zika Virus —10 Public Health Achievements in 2016 and Future Priorities
-
December 30, 2016
-
-
Source: MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2016; v. 65 Early Release
[PDF-5.00 MB]
Details:
-
Personal Author:
-
Description:The introduction of Zika Virus into the Region of the Americas (Americas) and the subsequent increase in cases of Congenital microcephaly resulted in activation of CDC’s Emergency Operations Center on January 22, 2016, to ensure a coordinated response and timely dissemination of information, and led the World Health Organization to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on February 1, 2016. During the past year, public health agencies and researchers Worldwide have collaborated to protect pregnant women, inform clinicians and the public, and advance knowledge about Zika Virus (Figure 1). This report summarizes 10 important contributions toward addressing the threat posed by Zika Virus in 2016. To protect pregnant women and their fetuses and infants from the effects of Zika Virus infection during pregnancy, public health activities must focus on preventing mosquito-borne Transmission through vector control and personal protective practices, preventing sexual Transmission by advising abstention from sex or consistent and correct use of condoms, and preventing unintended pregnancies by reducing barriers to access to highly effective reversible contraception.
What is already known about this topic? The introduction of Zika Virus into the Region of the Americas and the subsequent increase in cases of Congenital microcephaly resulted in activation of CDC’s Emergency Operations Center and the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. As of December 15, 2016, 61 countries and territories have reported local Zika Virus Transmission as part of the current outbreak; 29 countries and territories have reported potential cases of Congenital Zika syndrome.
What is added by this report? CDC’s emergency response to Zika Virus rapidly addressed many acute public health needs associated with the outbreak and developed new public health Surveillance and infection control tools, including issuing travel and clinical guidance; identifying sexual Transmission; monitoring blood safety; developing and distributing laboratory test kits; establishing the causal link between in utero infection and Congenital Zika syndrome and assessing the range of outcomes and the magnitude of risk; improving access to contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies; implementing vector control strategies; and improving the understanding of the link between and Zika Virus infection and other neurological illnesses.
What are the implications for public health practice? To protect pregnant women and their fetuses and infants from the effects of Zika Virus infection during pregnancy, public health activities must focus on preventing mosquito-borne Transmission through vector control and personal protective practices, preventing sexual Transmission by advising abstention from sex or consistent and correct use of condoms, and preventing unintended pregnancies by reducing barriers to access to highly effective reversible contraception. Collectively, these critical strategies can reduce the effect of the Virus on infants, families, and communities.
Suggested citation for this article: Oussayef NL, Pillai SK, Honein MA, et al. Zika Virus —10 Public Health Achievements in 2016 and Future Priorities. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. ePub: 30 December 2016. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6552e1
-
Subjects:
-
Source:
-
Series:
-
DOI:
-
ISSN:0149-2195 (print);1545-861X (digital);
-
Document Type:
-
Place as Subject:
-
Pages in Document:7 pdf pages
-
Volume:65
-
Collection(s):
-
Main Document Checksum:
-
Download URL:
-
File Type:
