“Rising Mosquito-Borne Infections: Essential Facts About Dengue Fever”

 

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osquitoes are more than just annoying; they can spread serious diseases like malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, and Zika. Recently. India has seen a rise in dengue fever cases, also known as breakbone or 7-day fever.

 

WHAT IS DENGUE AND WHERE IS IT OCCURRING IN THE INDIA?

•         Dengue is a viral disease caused by four related viruses: dengue virus 1, 2, 3, and 4. Not everyone who gets infected will feel sick; only about one in four people will show symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. A blood test confirms the diagnosis.
• The spread of dengue in India increased by over, 1312% since the first major outbreak in 1996. According to data compiled by the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), 485 dengue patients died in the country in 2023. After a major dengue outbreak in 1996, it has spread to newer geography. Currently, dengue cases are reported from all the states and UTs, except Ladakh. More than 600 dengue cases, on an average, were detected daily across the country (TOI. Jul 23, 2023)

SYMPTOMS OF DENGUE

Symptoms usually start two to three days after being bitten by an infected mosquito but can take up to nine days. They often feel like the flu and include:

•           Headache or pain behind the eyes
•   Muscle, joint, or bone pain
•   Nausea and vomiting
•    Rash (faint red blotches)

If you have traveled to an area with dengue risk and have a fever (101°F or higher) along with these symptoms, seek medical advice.

SEVERE DENGUE 

• Watch for warning of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24–48 hours after fever have gone away. 
• About one in 20 people with dengue will develop severe symptoms, needing emergency care. Those at higher risk include infants, pregnant women, older adults, and people with previous dengue infections. Severe symptoms include:

o   Weakness and lightheadedness from low blood pressure

o   Bleeding from the nose or gums

o   Stomach swelling

o   Vomiting

o   Extreme fatigue

o   Not feeling Well

TREATMENT

There are no specific medications for dengue. Mild symptoms usually last two to seven days and are managed with fluids, over-the-counter pain relievers, and rest. Severe cases may require hospital treatment with IV fluids and monitoring. Platelet transfusion is required in many cases.

HOW DENGUE SPREADS

Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes get infected when they bite someone with the virus and then spread it to others. Travelers to high-risk areas can bring the virus back to their places, where local mosquitoes can then spread it further.

PROTECTION TIPS

To protect yourself from dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses:

•         Use insect repellent
• Wear long sleeves and pants
• Use mosquito nets
• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed

 

Stay safe and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites !