Handbook for clinical management of dengue
WHO and Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) report
Dengue infection is a systemic and dynamic disease. It has a wide clinical spectrum - ranging from flu like illness to severe dengue - which could be fatal.
For a disease that is so complex in its manifestations, management is relatively simple, inexpensive and very effective in saving lives as long as correct and timely interventions are instituted.
The key is early recognition and understanding of the clinical problems during the different phases of the disease, leading to a rational approach to case management and a good clinical outcome.
Case management at the primary and secondary care levels (where patients are first seen and evaluated) are critical in determining the clinical outcome of dengue. A well-managed front-line response reduces hospital admissions and also saves lives.
This handbook has been produced to help health-care practitioners at all levels to manage dengue. Aspects of managing severe cases of dengue are also described for practitioners at higher levels of health care. Additional and more specific guidance on the various areas related to clinical management of dengue (from other sources in WHO and elsewhere) are cited in the reference sections.
This handbook is not intended to replace national treatment training materials and guidelines, but it aims to assist in the development of such materials produced at local, national or regional level.
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This publication complements the 2009 edition of Dengue guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control [pdf 1.5Mb]