Risk communication for Zika virus disease

Zika virus disease is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause severe birth defects in babies and neurological complications in adults. This introductory course provides the basics of communicating risks of Zika virus transmission. It has been designed for health workers in communities that are currently facing outbreaks of Zika virus disease or which may be affected in the future.

Course information

Overview: Zika virus disease is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause severe birth defects in babies and neurological complications in adults. This introductory course provides the basics of communicating risks of Zika virus transmission. Module 1 explains the concept and basic principles of risk communication in the context of Zika virus transmission. Module 2 provides essential information about Zika virus and how to discuss its transmission with patients and their families.

Learning objective: By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• introduce the topic of Zika virus disease;
• initiate discussion about Zika virus transmission with patients and their families; and
• access communication resources and WHO guidance on Zika virus infection and associated complications.

Course duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Certificates: No certificate available at this time.

Course contents

• Introduction:

  Learning objectives: By the end of this course, participants should be able to introduce the topic of Zika virus; initiate discussion about Zika virus transmission with patients and their families, including about sensitive subjects like sexual transmission and pregnancy options; and access communication resources and WHO guidance on Zika virus infection and associated complications.

• Module 1: Risk communication in the context of Zika for health workers in Africa:

  Learning objectives: By the end of this module, participants should be able to describe risk communication in the context of Zika virus infection; describe the role of health workers in communicating the risks of Zika virus transmission; and list key considerations for raising awareness of Zika virus infection in Africa.

• Module 2: Zika essentials: How to discuss transmission with patients and their families:

  Learning objectives: By the end of this module, participants should be able to describe key features of Zika virus transmission and disease; describe recommended measures to avoid Zika virus transmission; and list at least three ways in stimulating discussion about Zika virus transmission with patients.