November 22, 2016 -- On November 18, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the end of the Zika international emergency. This does not mean the Zika virus has disappeared. Infected individuals continue to experience symptoms and, in very rare instances, complications.
The international Zika emergency was first declared on February 1, 2016 when spread of the mosquito-borne virus and illness was confirmed in 60 countries. What captured the public’s attention was the immense concern about a possible link to birth defects which was later confirmed.
The world now has a better understanding of the virus, its effects and management. Therefore, response actions have shifted from the rapid build-up of resources to a mode of continuing research and prevention. The key goals are education, mosquito breeding site elimination, expert management of complications, and the development of an effective and affordable vaccine.
The WHO is the United Nations agency responsible for attending to matters of public health. It oversees the International Health Regulations (IHR) which an action framework designed to rapidly detect and stop the international spread of disease. St. Kitts and Nevis is a signatory to the IHR whose national focal point is the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). As such, the CMO keeps the government and the nation updated on all matters of public health concern, and coordinates the implementation of the required responses.
A public health emergency declaration is done according to criteria. The event must be serious and extraordinary (unusual or unexpected), determined to be a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease, and to potentially require a coordinated international response. In the circumstances, serious means a hazard that could result in death, excess hospitalization, persistent or significant disability, or birth defects in exposed humans.
Zika, like dengue and chikungunya, is spread by the Aedes species of mosquito. Future outbreaks are possible. Outbreaks, not only cause illness, but can disrupt a tourism-based economy.
Aedes mosquitoes are highly resistant to chemical control. Therefore, fogging is used sparingly and in communities where the mosquito population is dense. By far, the most effective intervention is mosquito eradication through each person destroying potential breeding sites in yards and homes. Vaccine development may take several months to years.
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