New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new manual that provides comprehensive information on plague epidemiology and recommendations for surveillance, diagnosis, clinical management, and prevention.
Plague is an acute bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis and can be fatal, despite the availability of effective treatments. The disease mostly occurs in remote areas, making it difficult to diagnose and provide treatment. The severe pneumonic plague outbreak in Madagascar in 2017 led to the WHO’s decision to update its guidelines.
The new manual includes updated recommendations for the use of rapid diagnostic tests in varied settings, as well as the inclusion of fluoroquinolones as a first-line treatment option. Furthermore, it provides information on updated protocols for personal protective equipment when handling plague-infected corpses. The changes were recommended based on evidence reviewed by an international expert meeting in 2020.
The manual is intended for health policymakers, emergency response teams, and healthcare workers in plague-affected areas. It is part of the WHO’s efforts to enhance global health emergency preparedness and response by improving the international response to health emergencies.