No country should put restriction clause on traveling to the affected Zika areas-WHO

Emobileclinic Health News: No country should put restriction clause on traveling to the affected Zika areas

At the first meeting of the Emergency Committee held yesterday ;1st of February, 2016, by WHO and few countries representatives ‘regarding clusters of Microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders , it was agreed that no country should put restriction clause on traveling to the affected Zika areas. Zika virus was however finally declared a public health emergency.

The Committee provided the following advice to the Director-General for her consideration to address the clusters of microcephaly and neurologic disorders and their possible association with Zika virus:




  • ‘There should be no restrictions on travel or trade with countries, areas and/or territories with Zika virus transmission.

  • Travellers to areas with Zika virus transmission should be provided with up to date advice on potential risks and appropriate measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to mosquito bites.

  • Standard WHO recommendations regarding disinfection of aircraft and airports should be implemented.’

The Secretary of the committee further spoke on Zika control measures and gave the following recommendations:

  • Vector control measures and appropriate personal protective measures should be aggressively promoted and implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to Zika virus.

  • Attention should be given to ensuring women of childbearing age and particularly pregnant women have the necessary information and materials to reduce risk of exposure.




  • Pregnant women who have been exposed to Zika virus should be counselled and followed for birth outcomes based on the best available information and national practice and policies.

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The committee implored that more researches should be intensified so as to discover the cure and vaccines for the virus. Also ‘research into the etiology of new

clusters of microcephaly and neurologic disorders should be intensified to determine whether there is a causative link to Zika virus and/or other factors or co-factors.

Affected countries are also to get ready ‘for potential increases in neurological syndromes and/or congenital malformations. They finally appeal to National authorities to ‘ensure the rapid and timely reporting and sharing of information of public health importance relevant to this PHEIC’. (Public Health Emergency of International Concern)

‘Based on this advice the Director-General declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 1 February 2016. The Director-General endorsed the Committee’s advice and issued them as Temporary Recommendations’.
 


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