PAHO Aims for Faster Diagnosis in Combat Against Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses

Strengthening surveillance for Zika virus and improving detection platforms are among the topics that experts from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) discussed in a series of meetings in Puerto Rico, as part of the organization's drive to combat zika, dengue, and chikungunya, three viral diseases affecting the Americas.

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that is new to the Americas. Since Brazil reported the first cases of local transmission of the virus in May 2015, it has spread to 26 countries and territories of the Americas. At the same time, outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted by the same Aedes mosquito as Zika, are continuing in many countries. PAHO is working on common threads to integrate the fight against all three of these arboviruses, primarily in the areas of laboratory work and mosquito control.

The challenges of setting up reliable laboratory diagnosis for dengue, chikungunya, and zika, was the focus of a meeting with WHO Collaborating Centers from around the world, Feb. 16-17, 2016. Experts discussed external quality assurance for laboratories diagnosing dengue and other arboviruses, and develop new testing algorithms for dengue that also include chikungunya and zika as possible diagnoses.

PAHO has developed a strategy to help countries mitigate the impact of Zika by strengthening their abilities to detect the introduction and spread of the virus, reduce mosquito populations, ensure the necessary healthcare services, and effectively communicate with the public on risks and prevention measures.

The Zika virus has spread rapidly because the population of the Americas had not previously been exposed to it and lacks immunity, and because Aedes mosquitoes-the main vector for Zika transmission-are present in all the region's countries except Canada and continental Chile.

The current situation of Zika virus infection, its possible association with Guillain-Barré syndrome and birth defects such as microcephaly, and the next steps to improve laboratory diagnosis and find integrated alternatives to detect the virus will be outlined at the first of the scientific meetings in Puerto Rico.

The Dengue Laboratory Network in the Americas, part of the regional integrated management strategy to prevent and control dengue, will also bring in experts to discuss a new project to create a genomic map of dengue virus in the Americas. Participants from PAHO, WHO, laboratories, and academia will discuss the global impact of Arboviruses and a new testing algorithm.

To prevent or slow the spread of Zika virus, as well as dengue and chikungunya, which are also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, PAHO recommends the following:
•Mosquito populations should be reduced and controlled by eliminating breeding sites. Containers that can hold even small amounts of water where mosquitoes can breed, such as buckets, bottle tops, flower pots or tires, should be emptied, cleaned or covered to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in them. This will help to control. Other measures include using larvicide to treat standing waters.
•All people living in or visiting areas with Aedes mosquitoes should protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-colored) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets, especially during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.
•Pregnant women should be especially careful to avoid mosquito bites. Although Zika typically causes only mild symptoms, outbreaks in Brazil have coincided with a marked increase in microcephaly-or unusually small head size-in newborns. Women planning to travel to areas where Zika is circulating should consult a healthcare provider before traveling and upon return. Women who believe they have been exposed to Zika virus should consult with their healthcare provider for close monitoring of their pregnancy.

PAHO is working with its member countries to strengthen vector control, communicate the risks of Zika and promote prevention, and establish or improve surveillance of both Zika virus infections and suspected complications, such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and other autoimmune and neurological disorders.

Source: PAHO