SUPPORTIVE MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING OF NON-HUMAN PRIMATES (NHP) WITH YELLOW FEVER

Abstract

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease caused by an arbovirus of the genus Flavivirus, affecting humans and non-human primates (NHP), with the latter playing a fundamental role in maintaining the sylvatic cycle of the disease. In Brazil, epizootics in NHP constitute important sentinel events for epidemiological surveillance, contributing to the early detection of viral circulation and the adoption of public health measures. Supportive management in non-human primates affected by yellow fever is based on clinical stabilization, symptom control, and continuous monitoring of vital functions, since there is no specific antiviral treatment. The main approaches include fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, pain and hyperthermia control, nutritional support, and hepatic and renal monitoring, considering that the disease can progress to acute liver failure, hemorrhagic changes, and multisystem involvement. Clinical monitoring should include assessment of parameters such as body temperature, heart and respiratory rate, neurological status, mucous membrane color, and presence of hemorrhages. Laboratory tests, when feasible, aid in assessing severity, especially through the analysis of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and hematological parameters. Furthermore, biosecurity measures are essential for protecting the teams involved and preventing the spread of the virus. Therefore, supportive management and adequate monitoring of non-human primates (NHPs) with yellow fever are fundamental for both animal welfare and sanitary surveillance, contributing to the reduction of ecological impacts and the strengthening of disease control strategies.