Zika Virus and Neurological Disease: Investing in Prevention

In Rio de Janeiro, a study prospectively enrolling 88 pregnant women stated that Zika virus infection during pregnancy seems to be associated with fetal death, placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, and central nervous system injury. 2 The outbreak of the virus in French Polynesia was followed by an increased number of central nervous system malformations. 3 A case-control study conducted in French Polynesia involved 42 patients who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS); serological investigations confirmed that all patients had experienced Zika virus infection. 4 The public consciousness, especially in high-income-counties, is currently alerted on this theme, but do at-risk populations really know how to prevent Zika virus? Efficient and effective interventions at the community level should encompass the following: (1) empowering vulnerable populations to be agents of their health, (2) strengthening inter-sectoral relationships, (3) understanding the culture and beliefs of the populations to build trust, and (4) integrating experts in the field for risk communication and community engagement working groups. Box 1 Key Messages and Behaviors for Zika Virus Risk Communication 1) “Core messaging for individual protection and community empowerment” - Community actions for detection and elimination of mosquito breeding sources, personal protection, symptoms, and care seeking. 2) “Community-based control and preventive behaviours for vector control” - Eliminate mosquito breeding sites (eggs and larvae) and promotion of protective behaviors. 3) “Protective behaviours for high-risk and general population” - Actions among pregnant women, mothers, women planning to get pregnant, health care workers, blood donors, and the general population. 4) “Identification of symptoms and care seeking for affected people.”