Daijiworld Media Network – Geneva

Geneva, Jul 11: In a landmark move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever global guidelines for the clinical management of patients with suspected or confirmed arboviral diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

With more than 5.6 billion people at risk globally, arboviruses are emerging as a major public health threat. The spread of Aedes mosquitoes—the primary carriers of these viruses—has accelerated due to climate change, population growth, urbanisation, and increased global travel, expanding the reach of these diseases beyond traditional tropical and subtropical regions.

The WHO emphasized that early detection and treatment are vital for improving patient outcomes, but diagnosis remains difficult due to overlapping symptoms and the co-circulation of multiple viruses in many areas. “Diagnosing these diseases can be challenging, especially in regions with limited testing capacity,” the agency said.

The newly launched guidelines aim to equip healthcare professionals with the tools to identify and manage arboviral infections using evidence-based approaches. The document covers treatment protocols for both mild and severe cases, including fluid management and adjunct therapies, especially in cases of yellow fever.

Applicable at all levels of the healthcare system—from community care and primary health centres to emergency rooms and hospital wards—the guidelines also serve as a reference for policymakers and health administrators in strengthening epidemic and pandemic preparedness.

“The new guideline will help clinicians provide the best possible care and reduce severe outcomes and deaths,” the WHO noted, marking a significant step in the global fight against arboviral diseases.