Bibliographic information
Guideline—
Year of Publication—
Issuing Institution—
Recommendation
New
WHO recommends that persons who have survived/recovered from filovirus disease be offered structured follow-up after discharge.
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
Moderate
Notes and Remarks
- This recommendation applies to children and adults. • Structured follow-up includes access to free and comprehensive care to assess and treat complications such as mental health symptoms, ocular disease and persistence of virus in sanctuary sites; as well as ensure safe delivery for pregnant women who have recovered. Practical info Different elements of survivor support should be tied to interventions resulting from abnormal findings. The following were specifically noted:
- 1.Follow up to reduce onward transmission:
- viral screening of semen, breastmilk, vaginal fluids and appropriate counselling and care based on results to prevent sexual transmission;
- maternity care follow-up for enhanced IPC around birth given potential for persistent filovirus in amniotic fluid.
- 2.Medical follow up for complications:
- medical specialist support and escalation of therapy according to findings;
- neurological follow-up for neurological symptoms such as hearing impairment;
- nutritional assessment and support;
- mental health and psychosocial support for mental health symptoms;
- ophthalmology care for ocular issues; The selection of interventions will depend on local capability and capacity, and the potential for specialist referral.
- 3.Concrete socioeconomic support for survivors, their families, and families of non-survivors, and support of the epidemic-affected vulnerable population.