Samoa: Situational Report Zika Virus (as of 8 February 2016)

Currently:

1. Laboratory results for 20 specimen sent for ZIKV screening at ILM Lab in Tahiti has arrived :

• zero ZIKV detected

• 7 out of 20 specimen are positive DENV cases.

Please note:

1. Case Definition for ZIKV from WHO/CDC which we will be using for surveillance purposes in Samoa:

Suspected case: Patient with rash or elevated body temperature (> 37.2 °C) with one or more of the following symptoms (not explained by other medical conditions):

• Arthralgia or myalgia

• Non-purulent conjuntivitis or conjunctival hyperemia

• Headache or malaise

Confirmed case: A suspected case with laboratory positive result for the specific detection of Zika virus.

2. WHO DECLARATION Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC): Microcephaly/ZIKV.

Based on the above situation we are starting negotiations with NHS and other Health providers for surveillance for Guillain-Barre-Syndrome and Microcephaly notification by all clinicians.

1. There is NO TREATMENT for ZIKV infection.
   

If you suspect you are ill, ensure enough rest; use panadols only for pain and fever; sleep in mosquito net or screened house to avoid transmission and spread of infection and seek medical advice if fever prolongs or if symptoms getting worse. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out due to the risk of bleeding.