WHO Treatment Protocol for Zika Virus 2025

In July 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever unified clinical guidelines for managing arboviral diseases, including Zika virus, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Among these, the Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol stands out due to its importance in maternal and public health.

This update aims to standardise treatment, improve patient outcomes, and prepare countries for future outbreaks. For SSC aspirants, especially those preparing for General Awareness or Health & Environment topics, this development is highly relevant to current affairs.

About Zika Virus and Why the WHO Issued a Protocol

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same vector responsible for spreading dengue and chikungunya. Classified as an arbovirus, Zika has been associated with birth defects, especially microcephaly, when it infects pregnant women.

Because the symptoms of Zika — fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis — closely resemble other arboviral infections, the clinical diagnosis becomes difficult without lab tests.

With the increasing global spread of arboviral diseases, the WHO developed the Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol to guide healthcare workers, epidemic response teams, and policy planners on unified treatment and monitoring strategies.

Key Objectives of the Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol

The Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol aims to:

• Provide evidence-based treatment guidelines

• Offer differential diagnosis support in regions with multiple arboviral infections

• Help low-resource countries manage outbreaks efficiently

• Improve maternal and neonatal care in Zika-affected areas

• Ensure consistent medical practices during epidemics

WHO Recommendations for Mild Zika Cases

For mild or non-severe infections, the Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol recommends:

• Oral fluid therapy to prevent dehydration

• Paracetamol or metamizole for fever and pain relief

• Avoidance of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen due to the risk of bleeding

• No corticosteroids in non-severe cases

These WHO guidelines help manage symptoms safely and prevent complications without unnecessary medications.

This aligns with WHO recommendations for mild and severe Zika cases, ensuring patient safety in community-level care.

Management of Severe Zika Cases under the WHO Protocol

Although most Zika cases are mild, severe complications like neurological issues (e.g., Guillain-Barré Syndrome) have been reported. In such cases, the Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol advises:

• Hospitalisation and close monitoring

• Use of crystalloid solutions for fluid management

• Avoidance of colloids due to risks

• Regular monitoring of capillary refill time and lactate levels

• Use of the passive leg raise test to assess shock response

• No corticosteroids or immunoglobulin therapy

These steps form the foundation of clinical guidelines for Zika, especially in resource-limited emergency care.

WHO Guidance for Pregnant Women with Zika

Pregnancy remains a major concern in Zika outbreaks. According to the Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol, pregnant women infected with Zika should:

• Be monitored closely for fetal development

• Undergo frequent ultrasound screenings

• Avoid medications with potential teratogenic effects

• Receive symptom-based care under medical supervision

The WHO guidance for managing Zika during pregnancy highlights the need for preventive diagnosis and fetal protection, as Zika may lead to congenital Zika syndrome.

Global Health Policy and WHO’s Zika Response

The Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol is a key part of WHO’s broader plan to handle arboviral threats. These WHO arbovirus guidelines help:

• Standardise medical responses globally

• Guide national health systems during epidemics

• Improve resource allocation for rural and urban outbreaks

• Train frontline healthcare providers with best practices

WHO Zika virus treatment protocols are particularly important in regions with co-circulating viruses like dengue and chikungunya.

WHO Treatment Protocol and Diagnosis

Because of overlapping symptoms, Zika diagnosis and treatment require clinical judgment and lab support. The Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol assists in:

• Prioritising symptom-based care where testing is limited

• Recommending safe drug use

• Reducing risks associated with improper medications

• Identifying warning signs for hospitalisation

It is considered one of the best practices for treating the Zika virus in 2025 and will be updated as new evidence emerges.

Importance of SSC Exams

For SSC aspirants, especially those focusing on General Science, International Health, and Current Events, the Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol is a vital topic. It covers:

• WHO’s role in public health emergencies

• Zika virus’s impact on maternal health

• Global measures to manage arbovirus outbreaks

• Latest advances in clinical protocols

You may find this topic in MCQs, essay writing, and comprehension-based questions in SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, and other competitive exams.

Key Terms and Takeaways

Final Thoughts

The Zika Virus WHO Treatment Protocol marks a pivotal step in streamlining care for arboviral diseases, especially in regions where healthcare resources are limited. By offering clear, evidence-based guidance, WHO empowers healthcare workers and systems to respond swiftly and effectively to Zika outbreaks.

These protocols not only help manage symptoms but also reduce the risk of complications, particularly in vulnerable populations like pregnant women. For SSC aspirants, understanding this protocol is crucial as it blends current affairs, health awareness, and international cooperation—key themes often featured in competitive exams.

Staying updated on such developments ensures a well-rounded preparation for any exam that tests awareness of global health initiatives.