On The Frontlines of The Zika Virus Epidemic in The Americas

Join Live Webinar on the Zika Virus Outbreak

On May 4th @ 10am EST

Event status:
This Event Has Passed

Date and time:
 

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 10:00 am (Eastern)

Duration:
 

1 hour

Description:

A live Webinar featuring Dr. Felipe Naveca, FIOCRUZ ILMD Amazon Institute, Brazil and Dr. Jay Varma, New York City Department of HealthModerated by Dr. Jonathan Epstein, Associate Vice President, EcoHealth Alliance

Zika virus was discovered in Uganda in 1947, however in May 2015, Zika virus was identified in Brazil for the first time. Brazil is currently experiencing an unprecedented epidemic, with >30,000 cases reported to date. Infection typically results in a mild disease consisting of flu-like symptoms and rash, however, it has now also been linked to severe birth defects, including microcephaly, when women are infected during pregnancy, and neurological disease in adults. Besides vector-borne and mother-to-child transmission, Zika virus may also spread via sexual contact and blood transfusion. In addition to Brazil, there are active outbreaks of Zika virus occurring in several countries, including the United States. It is anticipated that there will be an increase in Zika virus transmission in the United States this year as the mosquito vector becomes more active.

The International Association of Ecology and Health (IAEH) and EcoHealth Alliance are proud to present a live discussion via webinar with two scientists on the frontlines of Zika virus research and prevention.

PRESENTERS:

Dr. Felipe Naveca is the Deputy Director of research at FIOCRUZ ILMD Amazon institute in Manaus, Brazil where he is working to develop diagnostic tests and control methods for the mosquito vector of Zika virus.

Dr. Jay Varma is the Deputy Director of Infectious Disease at the New York City Department of Health and is preparing for the spread of Zika in New York City and the United States.

MODERATOR:

Dr. Jonathan Epstein is the Associate Vice President of Conservation Medicine at EcoHealth Alliance. His research focuses on the ecology of zoonotic viruses that emerge from wildlife, such as Nipah virus, Ebola virus, and SARS CoV.

Presentations will include:
• Zika virus emergence and epidemiology
• Zika virus clinical infection and atypical symptoms: what we know so far
• Challenges of Zika virus laboratory diagnosis
• Alternative methods for vector control: The Brazilian experience
• How New York City is preparing the public and healthcare providers for preventing and managing Zika infections
• How New York City is adapting its mosquito control program to address the threat of Zika virus

There will be a moderated discussion with the speakers, including questions from the audience, following the two presentations.

This webinar has been funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada.