Zika in Puerto Rico, 2016-2017: II Perspectives on Epidemic Surveillance and Control, Health Communication, Outcomes...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• The Zika epidemic in Puerto Rico generated significant public controversy, particularly concerning aerial fumigation with organophosphate insecticides.
• This public reaction overshadowed other simultaneous controversies related to the epidemic's management and response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide context and description of major controversies during the Zika epidemic in Puerto Rico.
• To examine the outcomes and lessons learned from these controversies for public health protection.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of print and digital news reports.
• Examination of public health responses, disease surveillance, health communication strategies, and epidemic control measures.
• Review of outcomes and lessons derived from public and scientific debates.

Main Results:

• The confrontational climax centered on aerial fumigation, obscuring other critical issues.
• Part II of the study addresses disease surveillance, health communication, and epidemic control strategies for Aedes aegypti-transmitted diseases.
• The research identifies key lessons for safeguarding public health from epidemic-related controversies.

Conclusions:

• Public health responses to epidemics are complex and involve multiple, often obscured, controversies.
• Effective disease surveillance, clear health communication, and evidence-based epidemic control are crucial for managing public health crises.
• Lessons learned from the Zika epidemic in Puerto Rico are vital for improving future public health preparedness and response strategies.