In this blog we will discuss about Dengue :- Symptoms & Prevention

Every year in India 33 millions people are get infected by Dengue(Viral Fever). In  2023, 19,300 cases of dengue were reported in karnataka , had the highest number of deaths in 2019.

Dengue is a viral disease. it is caused by virus , and virus is spread by mosquito bites.

 Dengue virus infection is a common disease throughout the world ,where  human cases have increased.

This dengue virus spreads very fast there . Do you know that 33 million people are infected with dengue every year in India. In  2023, 19,300 cases of dengue were reported in karnataka , had the highest number of deaths in 2019.

Symptoms :­- When dengue occurs , there is a very high fever. This is types of fever is called breakout fever. Because when it occurs , there is a headache , rash and pain in the muscles and joints . Some times nausea and vomiting may also occur. There is a feeling of chills in the whole

 body , fever and pain in the muscles or bones.

When the infection is severe, the bleeding can turn into  shock and delirium. This is called shock syndrome ( DSS ) .

In this your blood vessels get damaged. The damaged vessels causes blooding and reduces the number  of blood forming cells in the blood stream . Excessive bleeding can lead of organ failure and some times even death.

During pregnancy if a women are infected by Dengue then their is a high risk that her children is also get infected by Dengue during delivery, not only this , the child may be born prematurely and the child may have low birth weight and the risk of malnutrition increases a lot.

I would like to tell you that there is no medicine to treat dengue  infection . If you have dengue infection then you should take rest  and drink fluids .

I if you feel lethargic , less urine , dryness in lips and throat , body ache and stickiness in feet then you should consult a doctor immediately.

 Be careful not to take any medicine without doctor’ advice. Specially do not take anti platelet medicine. If you have asthma then you can take paracetamol. This infection is so dangerous that your platelets decrease very fast . If you have dengue infection then your platelet count may decrease from 1,50,000 – 4,50,000  to 40,000 or even less.

If dengue occurs, check up should be done immediately.

1-    Dengue  IGM positive test should be done.

2-    Blood cell count ( WBC ) and platelet test for fever .

3-    Blood test, ECG , Ultrasound , Echocardiography, Heart function test ,  

4-    Renal Function test , Check X-ray , Complete blood count ,

5-    Dengue serology test are done to direct dengue infection and can be 

6-    Ruled out and the patient can be evacuated.

HOW TO PREVENT DENGUE INFECTION :-

We all know that dengue spreads through for mosquito infection it.

 We  have to aware to the following .

Avoid Mosquito Bites:

• Use Repellents: Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes, especially during dawn and dusk.
• Use Mosquito Nets: Sleep under a mosquito net, particularly in areas with high dengue risk.

Use Mosquito-Proofing Methods:

• Install Window and Door Screens: Keep mosquitoes away by using screens on windows and doors.
• Use Indoor Mosquito Traps or Insecticides: Consider using safe insecticides to reduce mosquito populations.

Control Mosquito Breeding:

• Remove Standing Water: Empty containers, flower pots, and any items that collect water, as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.
• Cover Water Containers: Ensure that water storage tanks and containers are tightly covered.
• Use Larvicides: Apply larvicides to large bodies of water that can’t be drained.