Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
WHO To Decide If Zika Is 'Public Health Emergency' On Monday
USA Today: WHO To Hold Emergency Meeting Monday On Zika Virus
The World Health Organization will hold an emergency meeting Monday to find ways to battle the Zika virus, which is linked to birth defects and "spreading explosively" through the Americas. The WHO could classify the Zika outbreak now in 25 countries and territories as a "public health emergency of international concern," deserving of a coordinated global response. (Szabo, 1/31)
The New York Times: Vaccine for Zika Virus May Be Years Away, Disease Experts Warn
As public health officials warn that the Zika virus is swiftly spreading across the Americas, the search is on to develop a vaccine to halt the disease, which could infect as many as four million people by the end of the year and has been linked to severe birth defects. But even as a host of companies have announced plans to develop a vaccine, disease experts say it could be years — maybe as long as a decade — before an effective product makes its way to the public. Not only are scientists still learning about the virus, which until recently was viewed as relatively benign, but any vaccine must go through rigorous testing to ensure that it is safe and effective. (Thomas, 1/29)
NPR: Puerto Rico Health Official 'Very Concerned' About Zika's Spread
Officials have said an outbreak in the U.S. is unlikely, and might be contained in the more tropical regions. So far Puerto Rico has been the most affected, with 19 confirmed cases. Dr. Brenda Rivera-García, the territorial epidemiologist with the Department of Health in Puerto Rico, joined NPR's Michel Martin to talk about how the virus is affecting the island. (1/30)
NPR: Zika Virus Reignites Abortion Debate In Brazil
Increased incidents of microcephaly in infants has spurred guidance to women that boils down to: Don't get pregnant. But women in Brazil have few options. (Garcia-Navarro, 1/30)
NPR: Church Doctrine Complicates Situation For Pregnant Women In Zika-Affected Areas
Some governments responded to the Zika epidemic by asking women to delay getting pregnant. Missionary doctor David Vanderpool says the reality for women in Zika-affected areas is far more complex. (Martin, 1/30)
The Miami Herald: Zika: How To Protect Yourself From The Mosquito-Born Virus
As the mosquito-borne Zika virus tears through Latin America and the Caribbean, health officials in the United States say it’s only a matter of time before someone is affected here. But Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday that “outbreaks of Zika in the continental U.S. will likely be limited.” (Teproff and Chrissos, 1/29)
