Dengue- Its causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment

Dr.Rakesh Pandit, 4 mins read

INTRODUCTION:

Dengue is one of the most common vector-borne diseases which is transmitted by mosquitoes (genus AEDES). The disease is mostly self-limiting but sometimes can be very serious and fatal so we must protect ourselves and our community from this disease. Several factors which every year contribute to a spurt in cases of dengue include high mosquito populations, susceptibility to circulating serotypes, favourable air temperatures, precipitation and humidity affecting reproduction and feeding patterns of mosquito populations as well as the dengue virus incubation period.

DENGUE SYMPTOMS:

Mild dengue symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains or a rash. Many patients with dengue may be asymptomatic while many experience prodrome chills, rash, and facial flushing which may last for 2-3 days.

Accompanying symptoms in patients may include the following:

• Headache
• Pain in the muscles, joints and bones
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea in rare
• Altered taste sensations
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat
• Pain behind the eyes
• Rash
• Malaise

CAUSES OF DENGUE:

Dengue fever develops after a bite from a mosquito. The mosquito acquires the virus by biting someone who is already infected and transmits it to another person. Dengue fever does not spread directly from one person to another

DENGUE COMPLICATIONS:

In patients with severe dengue, symptoms are the same as dengue fever and other febrile illnesses. Severe dengue leads to haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, wherein shortly after the fever breaks (3-7 days) signs of plasma leakage (bleeding from gums and nose, GI bleeding and hematuria) appear along with the development of haemorrhagic symptoms. The subsequent 24 hours prove critical as if left untreated may progress to shock.

DENGUE DIAGNOSIS:

Laboratory criteria for diagnosis of dengue include detection of viral nucleic acid, antiviral antibodies (IgG or IgM), viral antigens (Dengue NS1) or a combination thereof which helps in the detection of the virus. CBC, metabolic panel, serum protein and albumin levels, LFT, and coagulation panel should also be performed in patients suspected of dengue fever. Characteristics lab findings are thrombocytopenia(TPC < 100*109/L), leukopenia and in patients with severe dengue findings are increased hematocrit level, hypoproteinemia, prolonged PTT, occult blood findings and urinalysis should be done for all suspected with dengue.

DENGUE TREATMENT:

There are no specific dengue medicines or vaccines or antiviral treatments against dengue. The use of paracetamol to bring down fever is indicated. Aspirin and related NSAIDs such as ibuprofen should be avoided. Supportive care with fluid rehydration can be given to patients who manifest excessive vomiting and high fever. For severe dengue, medical care by physicians and nurses experienced with the effects and progression of the disease can save lives. Maintenance of the patient’s body fluid volume is critical to severe dengue care

PREVENTION OF DENGUE:

We all know that you can not differentiate dengue mosquito, or normal mosquito with your naked eyes so the cliché ‘prevention is better than cure’, is the most effective measure. The proximity of mosquito vector breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for dengue. At present, in order to control the transmission of dengue, mosquito vectors should be combated.

Steps to prevent and control transmission are as follows:

• Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using mosquito repellent throughout the day and night
• When indoors, use bed nets in sleeping areas
• Wear clothes that minimise skin exposure to mosquitoes
• Be aware of your surroundings – mosquitoes that cause dengue breed in stagnant water
• If you have dengue symptoms, kindly consult your nearby doctor
• Cover water containers tightly. Keep drains free from blockage
• Covering and emptying of domestic water storage container
• Disposing of solid wastes properly in covered dustbins
• Leave no water in the saucers underneath flower pots
• Applying proper insecticides to water storage outdoor containers
• Covering water in ponds with kerosene.

ALARMING SITUATION:

If the patient is suffering from severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, lethargy and restlessness, and if there is abrupt change from fever to hypothermia or very low temperature or if the patient begins to bleed or is looking pale, rush to a nearby hospital in the emergency

If you are living in Dwarka and wondering, "Is there the best hospital for dengue treatment in Delhi? Or the best doctors for dengue treatment in Delhi, please call Aakash Healthcare, Delhi helpline number today for an appointment. Apart from this if you have any queries related to Dengue test price, Dengue test in Delhi, or home sample collection our executives are available round the clock to solve your queries.

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