229
The pages in this section provide summary guidelines for each of the priority diseases targeted for
surveillance by WHO/AFRO. This section is intended as a rapid reference only. When further information
is required, please use the detailed references listed in the summary. The table below shows how
information is organized in this section.
In adapting these guidelines each country will create a list of priority diseases depending on the local
epidemiological situation. The list of priority diseases could vary from country to country depending on
national policy and resources.
Priority disease or event for integrated disease surveillance
In this section, you will find general information about:
• The disease or event, the causative agent, geographic range affected, and other epidemiologic information.
• Transmission routes such as person-to-person, unprotected contact with infectious body fluids or contaminated materials, vector-borne,
and so on.
• Why the disease is a priority disease for surveillance. For example, the disease is responsible for a high number of deaths, disability and
illness, especially in African countries.
• General and specific risk factors in African countries.
• Any additional background information that might serve the district surveillance team.
This section states how the surveillance information is used for action.
Suspected case: A definition is provided for suspecting a case or outbreak of this disease or event.
Probable case: A definition is provided for a suspected case with epidemiological link to a confirm case or an outbreak.
Confirmed case: A definition is provided for classifying a case as confirmed through laboratory diagnostic testing.
Respond to alert threshold
Some diseases or events have program specific thresholds for alerting the health facility or district to a potential problem.
For epidemic-prone diseases, diseases targeted for elimination or eradication, or public health events of international concern, a single case is a
suspected outbreak and requires immediate reporting followed by patient treatment, collection of specimens for case confirmation, and investigation
of the case to determine the risk factors and potential interventions.
For other priority diseases of public health importance, an outbreak or event is suspected when there is any unusual cluster, pattern, or increase in
the number of cases when compared with previous time periods. This should prompt a response such as investigating what might have caused the
unusual events. If laboratory confirmation is indicated, specimens should be collected for laboratory confirmation.
Respond to action threshold
For epidemic-prone diseases, diseases targeted for elimination or eradication, or public health events of international concern, a confirmed case
should trigger a response such as conducting an emergency immunization activity, enhancing access to safe drinking water, community education
campaigns, and improving case management.
For other priority diseases of public health importance, a confirmed outbreak should prompt an appropriate response such as improving coverage for
specified immunizations, strengthening case management, providing information, education and communication about preventing and controlling the
disease, and so on.
Analyze and interpret data
This section contains generic information about the minimum data elements to collect, analyze and interpret. The key points to consider for
interpreting the data and specific elements for analysis are also stated (time, place and person).
In this section guidelines on laboratory confirmation are provided including: relevant diagnostic test, how to collect, store and transport the specimens
needed for lab confirmation, and information on the results of laboratory work.
Appropriate references for further information stated for each disease. Most are available from the WHO website.