Beware of the Dengue Fever!

Beware of the Dengue Fever!

Dengue (pronounced DENG-gay) or break bone fever is a contagious disease transmitted through mosquitoes and triggered by anyone of four dengue viruses. Widespread in 110 countries and with nearly 50–100 million people infected annually, dengue is becoming a serious threat to life in the tropical areas. Dengue is caused by several species of mosquito within the genus Aedes, principally A. aegypti. There are four different, but closely related viruses that onset dengue are D-1, D-2, D-3 and D-4. Since this fever is trigged by four different serotypes of virus, it is possible to have dengue fever several times in one’s life. Nevertheless, a dengue infection creates immunity in such a person for a lifetime but for that specific serotype with which the patient was infected.

Causes and Mode of Transmission:

As dengue mosquito bites human beings, they become the major carriers of this virus by acting as a source of virus for uninfected mosquitoes. After viral incubation for 8 to 10 days, the infected mosquito becomes capable of passing on the virus to human beings and to its offspring throughout its life. 

This mosquito mostly breeds in dampness and during rainfalls, which explains its rampant spread these days, but can also reproduce in water-filled tubs; plastic jars, and cans throughout the year. Remember, it just takes a single mosquito bite to contract this disease. However, dengue virus can’t spread on its own from one person to another and there has to be a person-to-mosquito-to-another-person trail for it to spread the disease.

Symptoms:

High fever, severe headache, acute eye pain around the T area, intense joint and muscle pains, body rashes, mild bleeding, low white cell count are the main symptoms of dengue fever.

Critical Phase:

This is when the patient’s immunity is very low and the fever is very high grade. It is followed by a large fluid buildup in the chest and abdomen because of the intense capillary permeability and leakage. This leads to fluid and blood shortage from the circulation, which eventually reduces supply of blood to the vital organs. Organ dysfunction and excessive bleeding may also take place from the gastrointestinal tract.

Recovery Phase:

This phase is marked by re-absorption of the seeped out fluid into the bloodstream. It generally spans for about two to three days. There may possibly be intense itching and low blood pressure during it. This phase may involve damage to brain because of fluid the overload, which can result in unconsciousness.

Diagnosis:

The only diagnosis of Dengue is dangerously low platelet and white blood cells count, along with the above mentioned symptoms.

Treatment:

Dengue is a viral infection and therefore has no particular cure. A proactive approach towards treatment, which includes excessive fluid intake and electrolyte replacement, can be very beneficial. Moreover, using analgesics (pain relievers) with acetaminophen and keeping away from medicine containing ibuprofen, Naproxen, aspirin or aspirin also help a lot.

Dengue is a serious ailment but with proper care and guidance most of the people recover within 2 weeks. For a rapid recovery, the following can be very helpful:

1. Complete bed rest, a lot of fluid intake, medicine to bring fever down, healthy diet, which primarily includes juices, can do wonders treating dengue. Papaya juice is known to enhance platelets count and help build immunity.

2. Rice gruel, baked toats and herbal tea (made with ginger, cardamom) has proved to be an excellent remedy for dengue patients. However, spices should be avoided at all costs. 

Prevention and Control:

The only prevention in this case is to avoid the dengue mosquito bite. This can be done only by reducing the habitats where it mosquito lays her eggs. 

1. Stagnant water pots, outdoors, clean water containers; flower planter dishes should be emptied.

2. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a daylight biter with its prime time of biting ranging from around dawn to dusk. Avoid standing near places like behind the doors, curtains and stagnant water during this time.

3. Use mosquito repellant sprays that include DEET as the major component.

4. Try wearing long sleeves and pants along with socks and shoes for additional protection.

5. Ensure that the windows and door screens are without openings and thus safe.

6. Try sleeping in air-conditioned rooms.

7. Use mosquito bed nets while sleeping, that as a barrier between you and the mosquito.

8. If someone in your house is a victim of dengue then, take extra safety measures to stop mosquitoes from biting other members of the family.

It’s better being pro-active than reactive especially when up against a Dengue Mosquito.

Beware of the Dengue Fever!