Abstract
.More than 700,000 cases of Zika virus (ZIKAV) disease have been officially reported to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) from 48 countries and territories of the Americas. The response led by the PAHO and partners suggests major lessons of this outbreak. A seemingly innocuous pathogen became the new villain, causing fear, economic losses and, most importantly, debilitating birth defects and neurological problems, reaffirming the well-known war principle of never to underestimate one's opponent. The ZIKAV tested public health capacities under the International Health Regulations, highlighting the need for continued investment in health security. Last but not least, the lack of appropriate tools was another reminder of the pressing need for innovative solutions to persistent problems. Latin America and the Caribbean have approximately 500 million persons living in areas at risk for transmission of ZIKAV. The fight against ZIKAV is not a 100-m race, but rather a marathon in which science and public health need to work hand in hand for the benefit of our peoples.
Highlights
In May 2015, the first case of Zika virus (ZIKAV) disease was diagnosed in the continental region of the Americas, in the State of Bahia, Brazil
Soon after the detection of cases of ZIKAV, clinicians in the areas of virus circulation detected a marked increase in neurological disorders, such as Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS).[2]
E-mail: espinalm@paho.org least one GBS case, and 23 countries and territories have reported cases of congenital syndrome associated with ZIKAV infection.[5]
Summary
In May 2015, the first case of Zika virus (ZIKAV) disease was diagnosed in the continental region of the Americas, in the State of Bahia, Brazil. This confirmation came following months of detections of clusters of rash illness in the northeast of Brazil.[1] Soon after the detection of cases of ZIKAV, clinicians in the areas of virus circulation detected a marked increase in neurological disorders, such as Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS).[2] This was followed by reports from the States of Pernambuco, Paraiba, and Rio Grande do Norte of a perceived increase in cases of microcephaly. Least one GBS case, and 23 countries and territories have reported cases of congenital syndrome associated with ZIKAV infection.[5]
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