Zika Virus declared Public Health Emergency.

I am interested in the  broader phenotype of ZV. Our clinical understanding will  evolve and broaden.  - JR

#microcephaly 

WHO Alert Declares Zika Virus a Public Health Emergency

Feb 01, 2016   |   Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

It’s not just another rare mosquito-borne illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for an international response as the Zika virus outbreak has become a public health emergency.

During a briefing with member countries on January 28, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, MD, spoke on the Zika virus outbreak which has already hit 23 countries. Chan said that “the level of alarm is extremely high” and went on to announce an emergency meeting to discuss international strategies in Geneva, Switzerland on February 1.

Chan's decision was announced on Twitter.

"WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan: #ZikaVirus & microcephaly situation is a Public Health Emergency of Intl Concern #alert.” according to the tweet. 

- See more at: http://www.hcplive.com/medical-news/who-alert-declares-zika-virus-a-public-health-emergency?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=HCPLive&utm_campaign=Breaking_News_2-1-16#sthash.mDpAXvVo.dpufWith global infection rates of the Zika virus increasing rapidly, physicians should be prepared to handle possible cases of the virus and answer patients’ questions. No locally transmitted Zika virus cases have been reported in the continental United States, but cases have been confirmed in returning travelers. The AMA intends to update this resource center regularly to provide information to the public, physicians and other health care workers as they seek to learn more.

Resources for the Public

What you need to know about Zika virus
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Frequently asked questions about Zika virus
Videos, fact sheets and other information from the World Health Organization (WHO) that explain what the virus is, which symptoms to look for and how to protect your family

Zika virus infection, prevention and recommendations for pregnant women
Infographics, frequently asked questions, interactive games and more from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and WHO

Zika-infected areas
World map and list of countries and territories with active Zika transmission, provided by the CDC

Zika and pregnancy
Latest information from the CDC for pregnant women

Resources for Physicians

Understanding Zika Virus

Zika virus emergency preparedness and response
Latest information from the WHO

Zika virus infection
Information and resources from the PAHO and WHO

Zika virus information for health care professionals
Includes clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing information from the CDC

Zika virus spreads to new areas: Region of the Americas
CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from Jan. 22

Clinical Guidance

Zika virus—What clinicians need to know
CDC webinar from Jan. 26

Interim guidelines for the evaluation and testing of infants with possible congenital Zika virus infection
MMWR from Jan. 26

Interim guidelines for pregnant women during a Zika virus outbreak
MMWR from Jan. 22

Possible association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly
MMWR from Jan. 22

Recognizing, managing and reporting Zika virus infections in travelers returning from Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Mexico
CDC Health Advisory from Jan. 15

Medical Journal Articles

“The emerging Zika pandemic: Enhancing preparedness”
JAMA Viewpoint published Jan. 27

“Anticipating the international spread of Zika virus from Brazil”
Published in The Lancet, Jan. 23

“Zika virus in the Americas—yet another arbovirus threat”
Commentary published in The New England Journal of Medicine, Jan. 13 (e-publication ahead of print)

Research

Notice of NIAID’s interest to highlight high-priority Zika virus research areas
Research notice by the National Institutes of Health from Jan. 22