Executive Summary
Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (EREIDs) such as COVID-19, leptospirosis, pertussis, avian influenza, and mpox continue to pose significant public health threats in the Philippines.
This CPG for EREID aims to develop and provide evidence-based recommendations to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and public health officials regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of selected EREIDs, namely: pertussis, leptospirosis, COVID-19 infection, mpox, and avian influenza among children and adult
populations.
Evidence review experts conducted systematic reviews of current best available evidence and assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. A multidisciplinary guideline panel formulated the recommendations during an en banc guideline panel meeting and delphi process where applicable. When high-
quality evidence was lacking but guidance was warranted, good practice statements were provided. Recommendations were tailored to the Philippine healthcare context, considering resource constraints and population-specific factors.
This CPG presents 23 recommendations addressing prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies for COVID- 19, leptospirosis, pertussis, avian influenza, and mpox. The majority of recommendations were based on low to very low certainty evidence, reflecting global and local research gaps. Notable areas of uncertainty include
rehabilitative interventions for long COVID, prophylaxis for leptospirosis in vulnerable populations, and long-term effectiveness of newer COVID-19 vaccines. Strong recommendations were given for the diagnosis of multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children and in neonates (MIS-C and MIS-N), as well as recommendations for pertussis vaccine, avian influenza diagnostics, and mpox treatment. Good practice statements were issued for non-pharmaceutical interventions for mpox such as quarantine and active surveillance.
The guideline highlights key research gaps, including the need for high-quality local data, improved diagnostics, and operational research to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of recommended interventions. Despite limitations in the evidence base, the guideline provides comprehensive, contextually appropriate recommendations to inform clinical and public health responses to priority EREIDs in the Philippines.
This CPG offers standardized, evidence-informed guidance for managing priority EREIDs in the Philippines. The guideline will be updated as new evidence emerges or as significant changes in disease trends or epidemiology occur, to ensure continued relevance, scientific accuracy, and responsiveness to public health needs.
This CPG for EREID aims to develop and provide evidence-based recommendations to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and public health officials regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of selected EREIDs, namely: pertussis, leptospirosis, COVID-19 infection, mpox, and avian influenza among children and adult
populations.
Evidence review experts conducted systematic reviews of current best available evidence and assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. A multidisciplinary guideline panel formulated the recommendations during an en banc guideline panel meeting and delphi process where applicable. When high-
quality evidence was lacking but guidance was warranted, good practice statements were provided. Recommendations were tailored to the Philippine healthcare context, considering resource constraints and population-specific factors.
This CPG presents 23 recommendations addressing prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies for COVID- 19, leptospirosis, pertussis, avian influenza, and mpox. The majority of recommendations were based on low to very low certainty evidence, reflecting global and local research gaps. Notable areas of uncertainty include
rehabilitative interventions for long COVID, prophylaxis for leptospirosis in vulnerable populations, and long-term effectiveness of newer COVID-19 vaccines. Strong recommendations were given for the diagnosis of multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children and in neonates (MIS-C and MIS-N), as well as recommendations for pertussis vaccine, avian influenza diagnostics, and mpox treatment. Good practice statements were issued for non-pharmaceutical interventions for mpox such as quarantine and active surveillance.
The guideline highlights key research gaps, including the need for high-quality local data, improved diagnostics, and operational research to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of recommended interventions. Despite limitations in the evidence base, the guideline provides comprehensive, contextually appropriate recommendations to inform clinical and public health responses to priority EREIDs in the Philippines.
This CPG offers standardized, evidence-informed guidance for managing priority EREIDs in the Philippines. The guideline will be updated as new evidence emerges or as significant changes in disease trends or epidemiology occur, to ensure continued relevance, scientific accuracy, and responsiveness to public health needs.
Summary of Recommendations
Rehabilitation for Long Coronavirus Disease (COVID)
| No. | Recommendation | Certainty of Evidence | Strength of Recommendation |
| 1 | We suggest the use of rehabilitative interventions in adults with long COVID symptoms. |
Very Low | Weak |
MIS-C Diagnosis
| No. | Recommendation | Certainty of Evidence | Strength of Recommendation |
| 2.1 | We recommend the use of the following clinical parameters to increase suspicion of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: • history of COVID-19, and • fever of at least 3 days, and • any two of the following: gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, dermatological, conjunctivitis, respiratory symptoms |
Low | Strong |