Protecting Yourself from the Early Onset of Dengue

Dengue, a seasonal menace now every year in India, has arrived rather early this time. Cases are already being reported from different parts of Delhi-NCR in March and April itself, months before the monsoons.  The primary reason for this according to experts is construction work in different parts of the city and poor upkeep of overhead and curing tanks in residential areas.

According to the WHO, there are about 190 million cases of dengue worldwide with 96 million cases needing treatment. In India too, there is 25% increase each year, mainly attributed to heavier monsoons and ineffective preventive steps to check mosquito breeding.

In this scenario, what can be done? What steps can common citizens take?

Dengue is a tropical disease that originates from four different viruses. Carried by the Aedes egypti mosquito, symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains as well as skin rash. While there is currently no vaccine for dengue, it can be prevented by improving hygiene levels and prevention of mosquito breeding. 

Dr Amitabh Parti, Additional Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, gives some useful information and tips below:

What are the most commonly associated symptoms that could be associated with the onset of Dengue?

• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Muscle and joint pain
• Skin rash
• High fever reaching 40°C/ 104°F

Why are some people more susceptible to Dengue?

• They live in a high-risk zone which has dingy, unclean surroundings with stagnant water that encourages mosquito breeding
• Some of them have been infected with dengue before
• They have low immunity
• Their platelet count is low

A probable diagnosis can be made by assessing:

• The temperature
• Associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting
• Rash and general pain

The common tests used in dengue diagnosis are:

• Complete Blood Count
• ELISA test for dengue NS1 Ag
• PCR for detecting viral DNA
• Serum IgG and IgM test

Suggested approach on Treatment:

• Please seek medical advice  immediately if common symptoms persist
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Symptomatic relief can be sought using NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as paracetamol
• Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen since they can increase the risk of bleeding
• Follow instructions of  medical practitioners diligently

If Dengue fever progresses to dengue shock syndrome, look out for these symptoms and visit your nearest hospital immediately:

• Severe pain in the abdomen
• Myalgia
• Fluid accumulation in the liver
• Hemorrhages
• Nausea
• Fluid accumulation in the chest
• Headache

How to prevent dengue:

• Make sure all egg-laying habitats of mosquitoes, such as open and stagnant water sources are cleaned up
• If there are any open water sources you cannot eliminate, cover them and apply appropriate insecticides
• Use protections such as window screens, long-sleeved clothes, insecticide-treated materials, coils,  vaporizers and repellant creams to avoid being bitten by mosquitos
• A person can suffer from dengue a second time if the viral strain is different from the initial infection. So ensure adequate protection

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