Tackling Zika: A UCLA forum on facts, fears, questions and solutions

UCLA Health article
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The UCLA Center for World Health, together with the Brazilian Student Association at UCLA, will be hosting a public forum featuring a panel of researchers and experts who will answer questions about the symptoms, prevention and treatment of Zika virus. This moderated discussion will include information about vector control, and the implications for global public health as the Zika virus continues to spread around the world.

For months, Zika, a mosquito-borne disease first identified in Uganda in 1947, has been making headlines. Whereas previous Zika outbreaks went mostly undetected, this particular strain of the virus is prompting growing concern as it has been linked to a surge in microcephaly (a severe birth defect) and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Until now — due to the fact that pregnant women can transmit the Zika virus to their fetuses — pregnant women and women of child-bearing age have been the primary at-risk groups.  However, new studies suggest that the virus might be responsible for other neurological disorders among adults.

Travel warnings have already been issued for many countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. With the upcoming Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, there is an urgent need for the international community to understand the risks and ways to control to spread of the disease.

PANELISTS

Dr. Karin Nielsen: clinical professor of pediatrics in the division of infectious diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Mattel Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Timothy Brewer: vice provost of interdisciplinary and cross-campus affairs and professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at the Geffen School.
Dr. Neil Silverman: obstetrician and gynecologist at the Center for Fetal Medicine and Women’s Ultrasound, and a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Laurene Mascola: chief of the acute communicable disease control program for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

MODERATORS

Andrew Pollack: biotechnology reporter for the New York Times.
Thomas Coates: director of the UCLA Center for World Health.

WHEN

Tuesday, April 19
Reception: 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Formal Program: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE

Neuroscience Research Building Auditorium (map)
635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095

MEDIA CONTACTS

Prior to the event: Elaine Schmidt, UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, [email protected], office 310-794-2272 | cell 310-597-5767

At the event: Fedra Djourabchi, UCLA Center for World Health: [email protected], office 310-206-9398 | Cell 206-293-4900

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