Dengue: Life Threat Can Avoid by Timely Action

Dengue is the most widespread mosquito-borne viral disease in the world, infecting over 50 million people each year. It is usually prevalent in tropical regions similar to malaria. Dengue is viral fever which could be fatal. Dengue virus does not spread directly from human contact but transmitted by the female mosquito of the Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus varieties. Microorganism which causes dengue having 65 days lifecycle and could infect and spread by mosquito to humans. When the virus enters the human body, it multiplies gradually within blood cells. The symptoms are not immediately appeared it takes between two to seven days for the virus to incubate. Symptoms vary according to the age and health of the patient. Generally the sickness starts with a high fever, agonizing headache, backache, and muscle and joint pain. Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are common and rash usually appears four days after the fever starts. High fever upto 104 oC to 105oC lasting upto seven days that causes loss of appetite, bleeding from the skin nose and gums. The worst symptoms can last up to ten days, and complete recovery can take a month or the patients’ condition may suddenly deteriorate after few days of fever, and they may die within one day.

In dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) variant of the infection, calls release chemicals that trigger leakage of plasma from blood vessels. Massive bleeding from the brain, intestines and other organs results in low blood pressure and this along with the accumulation of fluids in body cavities can lead to shock. Once the dengue patient is shock, the chances of multi-organ failure and death are result. Diagnosis of dengue is based on blood tests, typically decreased platelet count. The common error in diagnosis of DHF as flu, malaria or typhoid due to common symptoms. Distinguish symptom is rash in dengue whereas that never happens with flu or malaria. The common symptom of flu that the fever disappears within five days but in dengue it continues for week. Malarial fever is very different: it is accompanied by shivering and the fever is irregular often shelling up on alternate days. If there is doubt in correct diagnosis then it is suggested for specifically dengue test.

Patients who recover from dengue develop antibodies that provide immunity for type of infection but there are four dengue viruses viz., Den-1, Den-2, Den-3 and Den-4 so there is chance of maximum four infections dengue in lifetime. Often infection with subsequent strain results in more serious illness, though experts are unsure why this happens. Epidemiologists pointed that the spread of dengue largely on rapid urbanization. No specific treatment can “cure” dengue. The symptoms are treated with paracetamol and fluids, patient should drink water and fruit juices.

If it is suspecting one may be infected to visit his doctor or nearest hospital immediately so that blood pressure and potentially fatal complications like internal bleeding can be monitored, and blood or plasma quickly replaced. Outbreaks are cyclical and infection rates can accelerate with frightening speed. India is currently experiencing an upswing in dengue cases. The vast majority of cases go undetected and unreported. Up to 5% of DHF cases are fatal; without proper treatment, the rate rises to 15%. Dengue can be prevented by adopting simple precautions against dengue.

Elimination of mosquito breeding places is effective and easy way to protect from dengue. Water collection tanks should need to cover and if these are not in use keep them dry and overturned. During rains discard items that collects rain or run-off water. Change the water in outdoor birdbaths and pet and animal water containers regularly. Avoid hanging clothes in dark corners as these serve as hiding places for mosquitoes. Control mosquito larvae in ponds by keeping larvae-eating fish like goldfish. Insist that public-health officials safeguard your community by eliminating stagnant water sites in construction and wastewater treatment areas.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites, when outdoors; wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers and shoes. Screens and door closures for stoping entry of mosquitoes are very important as this also protect from Malaria. Mosquito repellent creams, mosquito coils, electric vapour mats effective use protect from mosquito bites. In case of any illness symptom seek treatment and see a doctor.