SITUATION OVERVIEW
ZIKV continues to spread: 61 countries or territories around the world report continuing mosquito-borne transmission; 40 of these are in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region.
5 LAC countries have reported person-toperson ZIKV transmission, probably via a sexual route.
Over 454,976 suspected/confirmed ZIKV cases in the LAC region as of 24 June 2016.
1,634 confirmed cases of microcephaly and other fetal malformations potentially associated with Zika virus infection reported in Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Martinique, Panama and Puerto Rico.
127 million people reached with preventive messages through mass, social and digital media in twelve countries, with the highest public reach in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Cuba
RESPONSE HIGHLIGHTS
UNICEF is taking action in 24 countries at both community and policy level, to control the spread of Zika and mitigate its impact, leveraging our comparative advantage and partnerships - through an integrated response that incorporates community engagement, sexual health, vector control, care and support for affected children and families. At a global level UNICEF continues to drive the much needed development of easy-to-use tools to diagnose infection and vaccines to prevent its transmission.
Countries are entering the second phase of planning their response, which will be implemented July – December 2016.
UNICEF is raising awareness and sharing timely information on the spread of disease. As sexual transmission of ZIKV has now been confirmed, response plans are being updated in light of this. 127 million people have now been reached with preventive messages through mass, social and digital media across the region. Schools, health centres and churches are being used as key places to reach people in their communities.
El Salvador has reported the first confirmed case of microcephaly caused by the Zika virus.
Care and Support of those effected by Zika Congenital Syndrome is becoming a priority for UNICEF.