Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue has become a serious public health problem in our country this year. More than 50,000 people have been admitted in the hospitals and more than 200 people have died by this time. About 1% dengue patient develop serious complications such as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Early detection and good clinical management can however, reduce the case fatality.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever:
- Rapid onset of high fever
- Headache
- Retro-orbital pain (pain behind the eyes)
- Diffuse body pain (both muscle and bone)
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
- Altered taste sensation
- Rash which appears usually after 2-5 days of onset of fever
Warning signs of severe Dengue Fever:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Marked change in temperature (from fever to hypothermia)
- Hemorrhagic manifestations (gum bleeding, bleeding from nose, bleeding with stool and urine)
- Change in mental status (irritability, confusion, etc.)
Dengue tests:
- Dengue NS 1 antigen test for 7 days from onset of fever
- Dengue IgM antibody test (For patients with fever for more than 7 days)
What to do if Dengue Fever occurs:
- Fever, muscle and bone pain should be managed with Paracetamol tablet or syrup
- Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen) should not be given because of the risk of bleeding complications
- Patients with Dengue Fever should take plenty of liquid (e.g. orsaline, coconut water, lemon water etc.) to prevent dehydration
- The most important measure to assist the patients with Dengue Fever is to carefully evaluate them for impending complications
- It is strongly advised to stay under a doctor’s supervision during Dengue Fever to avoid complications
How to prevent Dengue Fever:
- Use of mosquito net while sleeping during day and night
- Adopting personal protection measures like wearing long-sleeved clothes
- Use of mosquito repellent lotions/cream over the open body parts
- Use of mosquito repellent coils
- Replace water once in every 3 days from flower vase, water pot etc.
- It is advisable to wear light-coloured clothing as this usually repels mosquitoes
