The WHO has introduced its first clinical guidelines for managing dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. These diseases, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, now threaten over 5.6 billion people globally. The guidelines aim to improve diagnosis and treatment amid symptom overlaps and limited testing. They provide evidence-based care strategies for healthcare providers at all levels.
"Clinicians must recognize these
diseases and treat patients according to the latest, evidence-based
guidance." – WHO
In a first, the World Health
Organization (WHO) has published guidelines for the clinical management of
patients with suspected or confirmed arboviral diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya,
Zika, and yellow fever.
Key Points
1 WHO
addresses overlapping symptoms of arboviruses complicating diagnosis
2 Guidelines
cover fluid management and adjunct therapies for yellow fever
3 Aedes
mosquito spread increases outbreak risks due to climate change
4 Recommendations
apply to all healthcare levels from clinics to hospitals
Arboviruses have become a growing
public health threat, putting over 5.6 billion people at risk. Once limited to
tropical and subtropical climates, the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit these
diseases are spreading to new regions due to climate change, population growth,
increased travel, and urbanisation, increasing the risk of outbreaks.
While early detection and treatment
are key for better outcomes, diagnosing these diseases "can be challenging
as their symptoms often overlap and resemble other febrile illnesses,"
said the WHO.
"In addition, in some regions,
multiple arboviruses may circulate at the same time, making clinical diagnosis
even more challenging, especially where testing is limited,” the WHO added.
The global health body launched the
new guidelines while stressing the need for "clinicians to recognise these
diseases and treat patients according to the latest, evidence-based guidance”.
Designed to help healthcare
providers, the guidelines will help them give patients the best possible care
to prevent severe disease and death.
It includes recommendations to
healthcare providers for the management of patients with both non-serious and
serious arboviral illnesses requiring hospitalisation.
The guideline can be applied at all
levels of the health system, including community-based care, primary care,
emergency departments, and hospital wards.
It also provides recommendations on
treatment the choice of fluid management and measurements to guide fluid
administration; and treatment with adjunctive therapies for patients with
yellow fever.
“The guideline will also serve as a
reference source for policymakers, health managers, and health facility
administrators to support the development of national, regional, and local
guidelines for epidemic and pandemic preparedness,” the WHO said.
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