About this handbook

Handbook purpose Handbook structure

Epidemics of infectious diseases are occurring more often, and spreading faster and further than The manual is structured in three parts.
ever, in many different regions of the world. The background factors of this threat are biological,
• Part One “Epidemics of the 21st century”
environmental and lifestyle changes, among others.
provides vital insights on the main features of
A potentially fatal combination of newly-discovered diseases, and the re-emergence of many the 21st century upsurge and the indispensable
long-established ones, demands urgent responses in all countries. Planning and preparation for elements to manage them.
epidemic prevention and control are essential.
• Part Two “Be in the know. 10 key facts about
The purpose of this “Managing epidemics” manual is to provide expert guidance on those 15 deadly diseases” contains key information
responses. about 15 diseases (Ebola Virus Disease, Lassa
Fever, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever,
Although this publication is open to a wide readership, it is primarily intended to help the World
Yellow Fever, Zika, Chikungunya, Avian and Other
Health Organization (WHO) country representatives (WRs) to respond effectively and rapidly at
Zoonotic Influenza, Seasonal Influenza, Pandemic
the very start of an outbreak.
Influenza, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome,
The manual provides concise and basic up-to-date knowledge with which WRs can advise Cholera, Monkeypox, Plague, Leptospirosis and
Ministries of Health in all countries. Specifically, it examines and explains in detail a total of 15 Meningococcal Meningitis). This section provides
different infectious diseases and the necessary responses to each and every one of them. tips on the interventions required to respond to
epidemics of all these diseases.
These diseases have been selected because they represent potential international threats for
which immediate responses are critical. Nearly all of them are subject to WHO’s International • Part Three “Tool boxes” gives an overview
Health Regulations (2005) monitoring, and are part of the Global Health Security Agenda. and summarized guidance on some other
important topics, including: the role of WHO,
Perhaps the greatest threat outlined in the manual is an influenza pandemic, which is both the International Coordinating Group, laboratory
unpredictable and inevitable. In the worst-case scenario, there will be no protective vaccine for six diagnosis and shipment of infectious diseases
months or longer after the virus is identified, and even there will be a global shortage of doses. substances, and vector control.
On this and other threats, the manual focuses on practical and indispensable things to know about The handbook enables the three levels of WHO
infectious diseases that are most important for national political and operational decision-makers; – its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Country
it also links readers to more exhaustive WHO guidance. It has been developed in parallel with the Offices to work efficiently together by building the
creation of the WHO MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) on openWHO (https://openwho.org). foundations of a shared conceptual and thinking
framework, which includes common terminology.
This “Managing epidemics” manual will be regularly
updated. The next versions will incorporate
additional infectious diseases.

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